Hajj 2026 in Benin: a subsidy of 370 million FCFA granted to reduce pilgrimage costs
The Beninese government has announced several measures to ensure the smooth running of the 2026 Hajj. As part of these measures, a subsidy of 370 million CFA francs has been granted to reduce the costs borne by the faithful.
SUMMARY
This aid results in a reduction of 170,000 CFA francs per pilgrim, thereby keeping the cost of the trip at 3,600,000 CFA francs for the standard category, the same amount as last year.
The announcement was made on Friday, October 31, 2025 in Cotonou, at the official launch of the Hajj. Benin’s quota remains set at 2,300 pilgrims.
Improved accommodation conditions
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, specified that Beninese pilgrims will be housed in hotels located less than three kilometers from the Haram, both in Mecca and in Medina.
Each room will accommodate four people and will be classified as category B, offering “a more pleasant, better structured environment in line with spiritual and health requirements.”
Catering and logistical organization
For this edition, a dedicated kitchen will be set up to provide healthy, balanced meals adapted to Beninese dietary habits.
The transport system will also be subject to enhanced coordination to ensure punctuality, smooth flow and the safety of movements.
Each pilgrim will receive two 23 kg suitcases in the colors of Benin as well as an administrative pouch for the secure storage of travel documents.
Procedures and innovations
Access to the e-Hadj platform is now conditional on possession of a Personal Identification Number (NPI). Registrations can be made individually or in groups, with online payment via an authorized company, notably facilitating family groupings.
The length of stay has been reduced to twenty days for a more concentrated and better supervised pilgrimage. Group leaders will have to sign a terms of reference before departure, with their costs covered by the National Agency for the Management of Officials’ Logistics (AGLO).
The president of the Hajj Organizing Committee (COS Hadj) urged the faithful to approach this spiritual journey with devotion, humility and gratitude, so as to receive all its blessings.
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