Hajj 2026 from Bangladesh — Key Dates and Timeline
Hajj 2026 is expected to take place in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH. Based on the Islamic lunar calendar, the main Hajj dates for 2026 are anticipated to fall in approximately late May to early June 2026 (exact dates subject to moon sighting):
| Event | Approximate 2026 Date (CE) | Islamic Date (1447 AH) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st of Dhul Hijjah | Approximately 19 May 2026 | 1 Dhul Hijjah 1447 |
| Day of Tarwiyah (Hajj departs to Mina) | Approximately 26 May 2026 | 8 Dhul Hijjah 1447 |
| Day of Arafah (Wuquf) | Approximately 27 May 2026 | 9 Dhul Hijjah 1447 |
| Eid ul Adha (Yawm al-Nahr) | Approximately 28 May 2026 | 10 Dhul Hijjah 1447 |
| Tashreeq Days | Approximately 29–31 May 2026 | 11–13 Dhul Hijjah 1447 |
All dates are approximate and subject to the official moon sighting announcement by Saudi Arabia. Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims typically depart 2–4 weeks before the Day of Arafah and return 1–3 weeks after Eid ul Adha, making the peak Hajj travel window approximately late April to late June 2026.
Hajj Visa for Bangladeshis — How the Official Process Works
Unlike regular Saudi visas, the Hajj visa is a special category that operates through an officially regulated quota system. Bangladesh is allocated a specific Hajj quota each year by Saudi Arabia (approximately 1.27 pilgrims per 1,000 Muslims in the population). The Hajj visa process in Bangladesh works as follows:
- Government Hajj: Managed by Bangladesh's Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) and the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB). Applications open several months before Hajj season. Registration is done online through the official Hajj management system.
- Private Hajj Package: Provided by licensed Hajj agencies registered with MORA and HAAB. Packages include flights (typically Biman Bangladesh Airlines or Saudi Airlines), accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, transportation, and visa processing.
- Hajj visa issuance: The Hajj visa is arranged by the licensed Hajj agency as part of the package. Individual applications outside of the quota system are not accepted.
- Flight arrangements: Hajj flights from Dhaka to Jeddah or Medina are operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines under a dedicated Hajj airlift schedule.
For pilgrims traveling through licensed packages, the Hajj agency handles all flight and visa documentation. However, if you are traveling independently to perform Hajj through the special Hajj permit system, or if you need to apply for a Saudi visa for pre-Hajj travel, a flight itinerary is required. You can find Dhaka to Jeddah flight details on our Dhaka to Jeddah flights page.
Umrah Visa for Bangladeshis — Individual Applications
Umrah is the "lesser pilgrimage" that can be performed at any time of the year (outside the restricted Hajj season). Unlike Hajj, Umrah is not quota-restricted and individual Bangladeshi passport holders can apply for an Umrah visa throughout the year.
Saudi Arabia's e-Umrah visa system allows most nationalities, including Bangladeshis, to apply online or through authorized Umrah agencies. Key information:
- e-Umrah visa: Applied online through the Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) or through MORA-registered Umrah travel agencies in Bangladesh
- Validity: 90 days from issuance; pilgrims may stay up to 30 days per visit
- Required documents: Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), recent photograph, flight itinerary showing travel to Saudi Arabia, hotel/accommodation confirmation in Makkah (and Madinah if visiting)
- Muhram requirement: Women under 45 must travel as part of a licensed Umrah group or with a mahram (male guardian); this varies by nationality and Saudi policy — check current requirements
- Processing time: e-Umrah visa is typically approved within 24–72 hours if applied through the Nusuk platform
Does an Umrah Visa Require a Flight Itinerary?
Yes. For Umrah visa applications — whether through the Nusuk platform or a licensed Umrah agency — you will need to provide a flight itinerary showing your travel to Saudi Arabia (to Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport — JED, or Madinah Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport — MED) and your return flight.
A dummy ticket from EchoFlights provides exactly this: a professional flight itinerary with real airline flight numbers, your passenger details, and travel dates. This is accepted as part of the Umrah visa application documentation.
Use our Dhaka to Jeddah flights page to find available airlines and generate your itinerary. For related reading, see our dedicated Saudi Arabia visa dummy ticket guide and our Hajj and Umrah visa itinerary guide.
Preparing for Hajj 2026 — A Step-by-Step Checklist
Whether you are going on a government Hajj, a private agency package, or are in the early stages of planning, here is a comprehensive preparation checklist:
6–12 Months Before Departure
- Register for government Hajj through MORA's online system (registration typically opens 6–9 months before Hajj season)
- If choosing a private package, research and compare licensed Hajj agencies; verify their HAAB/MORA registration
- Renew your passport if it expires within 6 months of your expected return date from Saudi Arabia
- Begin health preparations: consult your doctor, get required vaccinations (meningitis ACYW135 vaccine is mandatory for Hajj)
- If traveling with elderly family members, assess their health and fitness for the physical demands of Hajj
3–6 Months Before Departure
- Complete Hajj pre-training sessions if required by your agency (covering rituals, rules, and practical guidance)
- Purchase mandatory Saudi health insurance if not included in your package
- Arrange your flight itinerary documentation for visa processing (if required outside the agency's arrangements)
- Prepare financial documents: bank statements, proof of funds for the pilgrimage
- Book any pre-Hajj or post-Hajj travel if you plan to visit Madinah, Taif, or other Saudi cities
1–3 Months Before Departure
- Receive and review your Hajj visa and flight confirmation from your agency
- Pack according to Ihram requirements (two white seamless garments for men; modest modest loose clothing for women)
- Carry all medical documents, prescription medications (labeled), and vaccination certificates
- Confirm accommodation details in Makkah (within the Masjid al-Haram zone) and Madinah
Mandatory Vaccinations for Saudi Arabia (Hajj and Umrah)
| Vaccine | Requirement for Hajj | Requirement for Umrah | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meningococcal (ACYW135) | Mandatory | Mandatory | Must be taken within 5 years and at least 10 days before travel |
| COVID-19 | Check current Saudi requirements | Check current Saudi requirements | Requirements may change; verify on the Saudi Ministry of Health website |
| Polio | Recommended for all; required for some nationalities | Recommended | Bangladesh is polio-free but carry documentation |
| Influenza | Highly recommended | Recommended | Millions of pilgrims in close proximity — flu spreads rapidly |
| Hepatitis A and B | Recommended | Recommended | Particularly for elderly pilgrims |
Dhaka to Jeddah Flights — Hajj and Umrah Travel
The main gateway for Bangladeshi pilgrims is King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah (JED), which is the closest major airport to Makkah (approximately 70 km). For those visiting Madinah first, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport, Madinah (MED) is also served by Hajj charter flights.
Airlines operating Bangladesh–Jeddah routes include:
- Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG) — direct flights during Hajj season; year-round service to Jeddah
- Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) — direct Dhaka–Jeddah service
- Air Arabia (G9) — via Sharjah
- IndiGo (6E), Air India (AI) — connections via Indian cities
- Flydubai (FZ), Emirates (EK) — via Dubai
During peak Hajj season, additional charter flights operate under the Hajj airlift program. These are arranged entirely by licensed Hajj agencies and are not available for individual booking outside of Hajj packages.
Umrah Throughout the Year — Best Times to Travel from Bangladesh
While Umrah can be performed any time outside the restricted Hajj period, some months are significantly more comfortable and affordable than others:
- Ramadan Umrah: Performing Umrah during Ramadan (especially the last 10 days) is considered equivalent in reward to Hajj, according to hadith. However, it is the most crowded and expensive period.
- Off-peak months (June–August): Extremely hot in Saudi Arabia (40–50°C) but lowest prices and fewest crowds. Not recommended for elderly or unwell pilgrims.
- November–February: Best weather (mild, 20–30°C), moderate pricing, and manageable crowds. Ideal for most Bangladeshi pilgrims.
- School holiday periods: Eid holidays (Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha) bring surges in Umrah travelers — book early and expect higher prices.