RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has introduced a new policy imposing an age restriction for Hajj, banning children under the age of 15 from accompanying pilgrims.
A spokesperson for the Pakistan Aviation Authority (PAA) said that the new Saudi directive will come into effect from May 3, 2026. The policy prohibits all pilgrims who are under 15 years old from using Hajj flights.
The spokesperson announced that all Hajj visas issued to pilgrims under 15 years of age have been cancelled after the new restriction took effect.
The rule states that individuals who have not turned 15 before May 27, 2026, will be prohibited from entering Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Saudi immigration authorities have issued a command to all airports that requires them to prevent underage pilgrims from boarding Hajj flights.
The Saudi government has also assured that all affected pilgrims will receive full refunds. The PAA announced that children under 15 will not be allowed to perform the pilgrimage this year, according to the new Saudi guidelines, which both airlines and airport authorities must enforce.
