The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has published comprehensive health requirements and medical guidelines for potential pilgrims planning to participate in the 2026 Hajj (1447 AH) and has recommended that those who suffer from some severe medical conditions will be exempt from the pilgrimage.
These pilgrims will no longer be allowed to make the trip according to new guidelines since they have severe heart, lung, liver, or kidney diseases; chronic diseases in their terminal stages; or neurological and psychiatric conditions such as dementia. Others who cannot travel are cancer treatment, high-risk pregnant women, and those with active infectious illnesses such as tuberculosis or hemorrhagic fever.
Saudi authorities have also demanded that every potential pilgrim produce a health certificate certified in his/her country of origin confirming that he/she is medically fit to perform Hajj. Current vaccination certificates for required diseases must be presented before entering the Kingdom.
To ensure compliance, medical screening shall be carried out at every Saudi border, and any traveler not meeting the requirements of medicine could be denied entry, quarantined, or tested further medically.
The Saudi Ministry of Umrah and Hajj emphasized that “no pilgrim who suffers from the mentioned diseases will be allowed to travel,” and added that health documents would also be rigorously screened. The Kingdom further stated that other precautions might be introduced in respect to future global healthcare emergencies, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In reaction to the announcement, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) directed intending Nigerian pilgrims to begin early health screening and immunization against last-minute inconveniences. NAHCON said it would coordinate with State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and licensed tour operators to ensure total compliance and a smooth travel process for the 2026 Hajj season.
