Saudi Arabia Confirm Minimum Age Requirement, Medical Fitness for Hajj
january 24, 2026
By Abdulwahid Musa Muhammad
The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has released guideline on age and medical fitness requirements for pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj season, emphasizing health and safety as key conditions for participation.
According to the Ministry, the minimum age for performing Hajj is 15 years. The regulation applies to all pilgrims, both domestic and international.
The Ministry further clarified that there is no upper age limit for Hajj, provided the pilgrim is medically fit to perform the rites.
On medical fitness, the ministry stressed that all pilgrims must present a certificate issued by approved medical authorities in their respective countries.
Stating the certificate must confirm that the pilgrim is physically capable of performing the Hajj rituals, which involve prolonged walking, standing, and exposure to heat.
Pilgrims with serious or uncontrolled medical conditions may be deemed unfit for Hajj, regardless of age.
Top on the list health conditions that may disqualify a pilgrim from performing Hajj is advanced heart, lung, liver, or kidney failure, severe neurological or psychiatric disorders, including dementia.
Others outlined by the ministry are, active infectious diseases such as tuberculosis as well as conditions causing severe physical weakness or inability to move independently and high-risk pregnancies, especially in advanced stages.
As part of the health clearance process, pilgrims are required to comply with mandatory vaccination guidelines issued by Saudi health authorities. Key vaccines include Meningococcal (ACWY) and Yellow Fever vaccine for pilgrims arriving from affected countries.
Intending pilgrims from polio-risk regions are to take Polio vaccine as well as COVID-19 vaccine, in line with prevailing public health regulations. Proof of vaccination must be presented as part of the medical clearance documentation.
The Ministry noted that pilgrim’s health and medical reports most be digitally verified through Nusuk, the official Hajj platforms to ensure proper screening and compliance with regulations.
The ministry assured that these restrictions are aimed at reducing health emergencies during the pilgrimage and protecting both the individual pilgrim and the population.
