Saudi Arabia has introduced stringent new health requirements for Hajj 2026, enforcing a complete ban on pilgrims with serious medical conditions, the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed.
According to guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health, individuals suffering from kidney failure, including those undergoing dialysis, will not be allowed to perform Hajj. The newly issued criteria also restrict pilgrims with lung diseases and liver conditions from participating.
Authorities have warned that any ailing pilgrim who manages to travel will be deported at their own expense, and the costs incurred will not be reimbursed.
The ministry also announced legal action against any doctors who issue fitness certificates to medically unfit pilgrims.
Pilgrims with severe neurological or psychiatric illnesses, memory loss, or other chronic health conditions will also be prohibited from undertaking the pilgrimage.
Additional restrictions apply to:
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with whooping cough
- Patients suffering from tuberculosis
- Individuals with viral hemorrhagic fever
The Ministry of Religious Affairs further confirmed that cancer patients are barred from performing Hajj. Medical officers will also be authorized to stop any pilgrim deemed unfit before departure, while Saudi monitoring teams will verify the authenticity of all fitness certificates.
Only those who fully meet the basic health standards outlined by Saudi authorities will be permitted to embark on the sacred journey in 2026.
