Saudi Arabia Bans High-Risk Patients from Hajj 2026; Heart and Kidney Patients Not Allowed
Jeddah | November 16, 2025 | DeccanLive.com
In a major decision, the Saudi government has introduced strict health rules for Hajj 2026, making it clear that people suffering from serious medical conditions will not be allowed to perform Hajj. The rules aim to protect pilgrims’ health and reduce risks during the crowded Hajj season.
According to the new policy, any person with a severe illness will be stopped from performing Hajj. If a sick person somehow arrives in Saudi Arabia, they will be sent back immediately, and all travel expenses must be paid by the pilgrim. The Saudi authorities will also take action against doctors who issue fitness certificates to people who are medically unfit.
Who Will Not Be Allowed for Hajj 2026?
The Saudi Ministry of Health has listed several medical conditions that will disqualify a person from Hajj:
- Kidney patients, especially those on dialysis
- People with weak heart conditions or those unable to handle physical stress
- Patients with lung or liver diseases
- People suffering from serious neurological or psychological disorders
- Those with dementia, poor memory, or severe disabilities
- Very elderly people, Alzheimer’s patients, and those with tremors
- Pregnant women
- People with contagious diseases like tuberculosis, whooping cough, or viral hemorrhagic fever
- Cancer patients
Strict Screening Before Departure
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has stated that medical officers will have full authority to stop any unfit pilgrim from travelling. Saudi monitoring teams will closely check all fitness certificates to ensure only medically eligible people are allowed to travel.
These strict measures have been introduced to protect the safety of all pilgrims and to prevent medical emergencies during the physically demanding Hajj.
