Saudi Arabia bars pilgrims under 15 from performing Hajj

ISLAMABAD/RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has introduced a new age restriction for Hajj pilgrims, barring children under 15 years of age from performing the annual pilgrimage, Pakistan’s aviation authority said on Saturday.

In a statement, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority said the new Saudi policy will take effect from May 3, 2026, and will apply to all Hajj flights.

Under the revised rules, pilgrims under the age of 15 will no longer be permitted to travel for Hajj, and their visas have been declared cancelled, the statement added.

The authority said only those who will be 15 years or older by May 27, 2026, will be eligible to travel for the pilgrimage.

Saudi authorities have assured full refunds for all affected pilgrims, it said.

Immigration officials in Saudi Arabia have also instructed airports to stop any passengers under 15 from boarding Hajj flights.

The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and attracts millions of Muslims from around the world each year, with travel arrangements coordinated through national quota systems and strict regulatory frameworks.