Hajj Visa Process Begins Feb 8, Fitness Certificate Mandatory

Registered Hajj pilgrims under both government and private schemes in Bangladesh will be able to start applying for Hajj visas from February 8, according to an official notification issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The visa application process will be conducted through Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk Masar system and will remain open until March 20. The announcement was made in a notice recently signed by Mohammad Safiuzzaman Bhuiya, deputy secretary of the Hajj-1 wing of the ministry.

The notification said that medical examinations for all intending pilgrims planning to perform Hajj in 2026 are currently underway at various government hospitals across the country.

Under directives issued by the Saudi government, all Hajj pilgrims must complete mandatory health check-ups and receive prescribed vaccinations before travelling. Pilgrims are also required to obtain a “fitness certificate” confirming their medical eligibility for Hajj. Without this certificate, no pilgrim will be allowed to perform Hajj this year.

The ministry further stated that all registered Hajj pilgrims, including expatriate Bangladeshis, must complete their medical examinations at any government hospital and receive the required vaccines from designated centres by March 20. Only after obtaining the fitness certificate will pilgrims be eligible to apply for a visa through the Saudi Nusuk Masar system.

The notification was issued with due approval of the competent authority in the interest of the public, the ministry added.

Officials have urged intending pilgrims to complete the required formalities within the stipulated timeframe to avoid complications during the visa application process.