Hajj 2026: Visa Applications to Open February 8 with Mandatory Fitness Rule

The Chronify

February 1, 2026

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that Hajj visa applications for the 2026 season will open on February 8 and run until March 20. Under strict new directives from Saudi Arabia, no pilgrim will be granted a visa without a valid health fitness certificate and proof of required vaccinations.

Bangladesh is moving into the final stages of Hajj preparations as the Ministry of Religious Affairs sets a definitive timeline for visa processing. Starting February 8, registered pilgrims can submit their applications through the Saudi Nusk Masar system. The ministry has emphasized that the window will close on March 20, leaving no room for late submissions.

A critical requirement this year is the mandatory health screening. All pilgrims-including expatriate Bangladeshis-must undergo medical examinations at designated government hospitals to obtain a fitness certificate. Key health requirements include:

Vaccinations: Mandatory Meningococcal and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Health Check-ups: Completion of physical exams, blood tests, and chest X-rays.
Eligibility: Verification of physical and mental capability to handle the rigors of the pilgrimage.

The Ministry issued a stern warning that the Saudi authorities will not process any visa without these digital health credentials. To facilitate the process, the deadline for preliminary health tests at government hospitals has been extended to February 5, 2026. Approximately 78,500 Bangladeshis are expected to perform Hajj this year, with the first flights scheduled to depart on April 18.