Hajj visas to be issued from today

Saudi Arabia will begin issuing Hajj visas for the 2026 Hajj season (1447 Hijri) from today.

The Middle East-based news outlet Gulf News reported that the Kingdom's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has taken this decision this year to strengthen service preparations and simplify procedures well before the pilgrims' arrival in Saudi Arabia.

The report stated that the ministry indicated this decision was taken as part of strengthening service preparations and simplifying processes ahead of the pilgrims' arrival.

The ministry further informed that all necessary services and contracts for foreign Hajj pilgrims at the holy sites have already been finalised. All accommodation-related contracts in Makkah have also been completed through the 'Nusuk' platform. Approximately 750,000 Hajj pilgrims have registered so far, of which 30,000 have booked Hajj packages directly from their home countries.

Around 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims at the holy sites, and 73 Hajj offices have completed their initial preparations.

All Hajj pilgrims registered for the 2026 Hajj from Bangladesh, both under government and private management, must obtain a fitness certificate after completing a health check-up at a government hospital and receiving vaccinations at designated centres. Following Saudi guidelines, visa applications must be submitted between February 8 and March 20 along with the fitness certificate. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has stated that no one will be allowed to perform Hajj without a fitness certificate.

Subject to moon sighting, the holy Hajj is likely to take place on May 26. Hajj flights will begin from April 18.