The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has unveiled detailed health requirements for all intending pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Saudi Ministry of Health, in a circular issued to all participating countries, including Nigeria, outlined mandatory medical fitness certifications, vaccination protocols, and disease prevention measures designed to safeguard public health during the pilgrimage.
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According to the circular, all nations are expected to ensure that their citizens are medically fit and free from conditions that could endanger their wellbeing or that of others. Pilgrims with certain illnesses including major organ failure, psychiatric or neurological disorders, high-risk pregnancies, and active infectious diseases will not be allowed to participate in the spiritual exercise.
Mandatory vaccinations
The guidelines require pilgrims to present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with doses administered between 2021 and 2025, at least two weeks before travel.
In addition, all pilgrims must take the quadrivalent ACWY vaccine against meningococcal meningitis not more than five years and not less than ten days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.
For Nigerian pilgrims, an extra dose of the Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) or the Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV/novel OPV2) is compulsory at least four weeks prior to travel. Travelers aged nine months and above are also required to show a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon entry.
Enforcement measures
Saudi authorities will conduct health screenings at all entry points to verify compliance. Pilgrims who fail to meet the stated health requirements may face denial of entry, medical isolation, or further evaluation.
In response to the new measures, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has advised all intending pilgrims to complete their medical checks and vaccinations early. The commission urged them to familiarize themselves with Saudi Arabia’s health regulations to avoid complications during the pilgrimage.
