Pilgrims with serious health conditions will not be eligible for Hajj 2026

The Saudi government has announced strict new health eligibility criteria that will bar individuals with certain chronic and infectious illnesses from participating in the Hajj next year. According to this notice, only those deemed medically fit, will be allowed to embark on the pilgrimage. 

Under the directive issued by the Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, pilgrims with major organ failure, such as kidney disease requiring dialysis, advanced heart disease preventing even mild exertion, chronic lung disease needing intermittent or continuous oxygen, and liver failure are ineligible. 

The list also includes individuals with neurological or cognitive disorders (such as dementia or Alzheimer’s), severe physical disabilities, pregnant women in the last trimester or with complicated pregnancies, and those undergoing advanced cancer therapies. 

Infectious diseases that pose a risk in large gatherings like whooping cough, open pulmonary tuberculosis, viral fevers, and other contagious illnesses will be barred from entry. 

The Pakistani ministry has emphasized the importance of medical fitness certificates issued by qualified doctors, warning that any false or incorrect declaration could result in the pilgrim being returned from Saudi Arabia at their own expense. 

Read: Govt to return Rs3.45bn to 66,377 pilgrims who performed Hajj last year

Saudi monitoring teams will verify fitness certificates at entry and exit points and at Hajj venues to ensure safety and compliance. 

The health requirements are part of a broader agenda by the Saudi health ministry to enhance preventive healthcare, improve medical services for pilgrims, and ensure a safe pilgrimage environment ahead of Hajj 2026.

Prospective pilgrims from Pakistan and elsewhere are being advised to review the full set of eligibility criteria and ensure they carry valid documentation, including medical records and vaccination certificates.

The move reflects Saudi Arabia’s increasing emphasis on health and safety standards in its management given the physical demands of the rituals and the large international gathering each year.