The National Interdiocesan Committee for Catholic Pilgrimages has published its statement regarding the organization of the 2026 Catholic pilgrimage. Scheduled from August 20 to September 9, 2026, this major event in religious life will take place this year without the emblematic stage of the Holy Land, due to the security situation in the Middle East.

Faced with these constraints, CINPEC proposes an alternative route rich in symbols. A circuit that will lead pilgrims in the footsteps of important Christian sites, between spirituality, history and contemplation.

A total cost of 3.8 million CFA francs

The participation fee is set at 3,800,000 CFA francs per pilgrim, an amount deemed sufficient to cover all expenses related to the trip: international transportation, accommodation, meals, visas, insurance, and support. Registration will begin on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the CINPEC office, located near the Cathedral College in Dakar. Candidates will be received every weekday.

The committee emphasizes the deeply religious nature of the pilgrimage. As such, candidates must: comply with Church requirements, particularly regarding marriage, be free from canonical sanctions, and attest to their membership in the Catholic community. Required documents include a baptismal certificate, a certificate of Catholicity issued by the parish priest, and a passport valid until March 2027.

Beyond submitting their application, prospective pilgrims must: complete and sign the official CINPEC forms, pay the full amount required, provide proof of payment, sign a commitment form, and complete their registration within a strict 15-day period. Additional documents are also required, including passport photos and a medical certificate of fitness issued by an approved physician.

The CINPEC (National Inter-ministerial Committee for Employment and Skills Development) has a differentiated system in place depending on the applicant's professional situation (employees, self-employed professionals, business owners, retirees, or unemployed), requiring supporting documentation of income and solvency. Participation is limited to individuals aged 30 to 70. In case of doubt regarding an applicant's health, a medical examination may be required by the mission's chief physician. The press release also specifies the cancellation conditions: a 30% penalty starting July 30, 2026, and 100% of the amount retained starting August 15, 2026.

In an uncertain international context, the National Interdiocesan Committee for Catholic Pilgrimages seeks to reassure and affirms its commitment to guaranteeing the faithful a safe, structured and spiritually enriching pilgrimage.