Saudi Arabia Reverses Brief Ban on Under‑15 Pilgrims for Hajj 2026

Saudi Arabia Reverses Brief Ban on Under‑15 Pilgrims for Hajj 2026
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Saudi Arabia initially introduced a new restriction for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage barring pilgrims who would be under 15 years old on May 27, from participating. Visas issued to children below that age were temporarily canceled, and airlines were instructed to prevent them from boarding flights.

However, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reversed this policy within hours, restoring the previous age rule that allows pilgrims aged 12 and above to perform the Hajj. Authorities confirmed that visas previously revoked under the under‑15 rule will now be reprocessed, enabling affected families to resume their travel plans.

The brief policy change initially prompted concern among families who had registered children in the 12‑14 age range for the pilgrimage. The swift reversal provides relief to many and reinforces the existing eligibility criteria used in prior years.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues preparing for the annual pilgrimage, with strict guidelines in place for all pilgrims to ensure a safe and organized Hajj season.