KSA imposes ban on children under 15 from performing Hajj

A PAA spokesperson says under revised Saudi policy, children below age of 15 will not be allowed to travel on Hajj flights from May 3, 2026

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint /UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-May 2nd, 2026) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on Saturday imposed a new age restriction for Hajj, banning children under 15 years from accompanying pilgrims, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).

In a statement issued on Saturday, a PAA spokesperson said that under the revised Saudi policy, children below the age of 15 will not be allowed to travel on Hajj flights from May 3, 2026. Following the implementation of this directive, all Hajj visas issued to pilgrims under 15 have been declared cancelled.

The spokesperson further clarified that individuals who will not have turned 15 by May 27, 2026, will not be eligible to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.

Saudi immigration authorities have directed all airports to strictly enforce the policy and prevent underage pilgrims from boarding Hajj flights at the departure points.

The Saudi government has also assured that all affected pilgrims will receive full refunds for their Hajj expenses.

The development comes as part of new regulatory measures introduced by Saudi authorities to manage Hajj operations more effectively and ensure compliance with updated guidelines.