Riyadh: The Saudi government has introduced sweeping health restrictions for Hajj 2026, declaring that pilgrims suffering from serious illnesses will not be allowed to perform the pilgrimage. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, sick pilgrims will be deported at their own expense, and doctors issuing false fitness certificates will face strict action.
The Saudi Ministry of Health outlined a detailed list of medical conditions that disqualify pilgrims. Patients with kidney diseases requiring dialysis, severe heart ailments, lung and liver diseases, and advanced neurological or psychiatric disorders such as dementia will be barred. Restrictions also extend to cancer patients, pregnant women, and those suffering from infectious diseases including tuberculosis, whooping cough, and viral hemorrhagic fever.
Authorities emphasized that elderly pilgrims with severe disabilities, Alzheimer’s, or rheumatism will also be prohibited from joining the pilgrimage. Monitoring teams will verify the authenticity of medical fitness certificates, and medical officers will be empowered to stop unfit pilgrims before departure.
Officials explained that the new measures are designed to safeguard the health of pilgrims and ensure smooth management of the massive annual gathering. While social media has already reacted strongly to the announcement, Saudi authorities insist that only those meeting the prescribed basic health standards will be permitted to travel for Hajj 2026.