The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced new, stringent health requirements for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, reinforcing its commitment to public health safety and disease prevention during the annual religious gathering.
In a circular released by the Saudi Ministry of Health, all intending pilgrims, including those from Nigeria, are required to demonstrate sound physical and mental fitness and comply with a strict vaccination regime before being granted entry into the Kingdom. To ensure the safety of participants, the guidelines list several medical conditions that automatically disqualify a person from performing the Hajj.
These include major organ failure (heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys), advanced chronic diseases, dementia or senility, high-risk pregnancies, and cancer patients undergoing active treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Also barred are individuals with active infectious diseases that pose a public health threat, including tuberculosis and haemorrhagic fevers, as well as those with neurological or psychiatric disorders that impair judgment or pose safety risks.
According to the circular, “No pilgrim suffering from the listed diseases will be allowed to travel,” adding that health certificates will be strictly verified both before departure and upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. Vaccination compliance remains a key component of the new policy, with the Ministry insisting on valid certificates for COVID-19, Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY), Polio, and Yellow Fever.
Pilgrims must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with a Saudi-approved vaccine, with the latest dose received between 2021 and 2025, at least two weeks before travel. The Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY) vaccine must be administered not more than five years and not less than ten days before arrival.
Nigerian pilgrims are specifically required to receive a dose of the Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) or Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV/novel OPV2) at least four weeks before departure, with proof recorded on the International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card). All travellers aged nine months and above must also present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
Saudi authorities confirmed that comprehensive health screenings will be conducted at all entry points. Pilgrims who fail to meet the stipulated health standards risk denial of entry, isolation, or further medical evaluation.
Reacting to the development, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) urged intending pilgrims to begin vaccinations and health checks early to avoid last-minute complications. In a statement, NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the commission would collaborate with State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and licensed tour operators to ensure full compliance with Saudi Arabia’s new health regulations.
She emphasised that adherence to the new rules would help prevent travel disruptions and protect the health of the Nigerian contingent. The Saudi Ministry of Health added that it reserves the right to introduce additional preventive measures in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) if global disease outbreaks or public health emergencies occur before or during the Hajj season.
