Saudi Arabia has officially announced the Hajj minimum age 2026 as 15 years, introducing new travel restrictions for pilgrims worldwide. The decision was communicated through Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, which confirmed that no pilgrim under 15 will be allowed to perform Hajj this year.
According to the ministry, the Saudi government has directed that no flight departing for Hajj will carry passengers below the age of 15. The rule applies to all countries and will be strictly enforced starting May 3, 2026, ensuring compliance across all airlines and travel operators.
The Hajj minimum age 2026 rule specifies that children must be at least 15 years old by May 27, 2026, which corresponds to the 9th of Zilhaj in the Islamic calendar. Any pilgrim failing to meet this requirement will not be permitted to travel under any circumstances.
Authorities further clarified that visas issued to underage pilgrims will be considered invalid. The Pakistan Airports Authority has also instructed airlines to prevent such passengers from boarding flights, reinforcing the strict implementation of the new policy.
For families affected by the Hajj minimum age 2026 restriction, the government has offered reassurance. Pilgrims who are unable to travel due to the new rule can cancel their plans and will receive a full refund of their deposited amount.
The directive was conveyed after communication between Pakistan’s Hajj Mission and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Officials emphasized that the decision aims to ensure safety, better crowd management, and a smoother pilgrimage experience.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Hajj operations for 2026 are already underway, with flights beginning in April under the Route to Makkah initiative. The program has expanded this year to include more cities, benefiting thousands of pilgrims despite the new age restriction.
