‎Hajj 2026: No Medical Certificate, No Visa – NAHCON
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‎The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made the submission of duly processed Medical Fitness Certificates a compulsory condition for the issuance of visas to all pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj.
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‎In a statement issued on Thursday, NAHCON said the new directive requires all registered pilgrims to present valid medical fitness certificates before visas can be processed.
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‎The Commission consequently directed all State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies, Commissions, and Licensed Tour Operators to comply strictly with the requirement.
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‎NAHCON fixed Monday, March 2, 2026, as the deadline for the submission of all medical fitness certificates, warning that failure to meet the deadline would lead to the forfeiture of visa opportunities for affected pilgrims.
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‎According to the Commission, the measure forms part of a broader regulatory framework introduced by Saudi authorities to enhance health safety standards and streamline logistics for Hajj operations across participating countries.
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‎The Commission also addressed concerns over Nigeria’s reduced Hajj quota, noting that the cut from 95,000 to 50,000 pilgrims is a general policy affecting all countries. It explained that the adjustment is aimed at strengthening health protocols and improving operational efficiency during the pilgrimage.
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‎Reiterating its position, NAHCON urged all relevant bodies to ensure the prompt collection and submission of medical fitness certificates to avoid disruptions in the visa processing timeline for the 2026 Hajj exercise.