People With Chronic Diseases Banned From Hajj 2026

November 11, 2025

New regulations bar pilgrims with serious medical conditions from performing Hajj, with deportation for those presenting fraudulent health certificates.

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Key Takeaways

Monitoring teams to verify all health documents before entry
Cancer, heart disease, respiratory illnesses among banned conditions
Fake medical certificates will lead to deportation at pilgrim’s expense

Saudi health authorities will prohibit pilgrims with serious medical conditions from participating in Hajj 2026 under new regulations to protect public health during the pilgrimage.

Who will be banned from performing Hajj 2026?

The strict measures target individuals with;

Cancer
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Liver disorders
Respiratory illnesses
Infectious diseases
Chronic lung disease
Cognitive or motor impairments
High-risk pregnancies

The Ministry of Health’s directive also excludes pregnant women, elderly pilgrims showing frailty or memory weakness, and those with neurological or psychological conditions.

Fake documents can lead to the deportation of the pilgrim

Saudi monitoring teams will verify all medical fitness certificates before permitting entry or ritual participation.

Authorities warned that pilgrims concealing conditions or presenting fraudulent documents face immediate deportation at their own expense, with no refund for Hajj packages.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs separately cautioned medical practitioners against issuing false fitness certificates, threatening disciplinary action for violations.

The 2026 regulations specifically address conditions that could worsen in extreme heat or pose transmission risks in crowded spaces.

Health authorities emphasize the regulations aim to ensure all pilgrims can complete rituals safely while minimizing public health threats.

The upcoming Hajj season will implement the strictest medical entry requirements in the pilgrimage’s modern history.