By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA, has unveiled comprehensive health requirements and guidelines for all intending pilgrims across the world planning to perform the 2026 (1447 AH) Hajj in the holy land.

A circular by the authorities of the KSA and made available to journalists by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Fatima Sanda Usara, outlines both mandatory and recommended medical conditions that must be met prior to undertaking the pilgrimage.

According to the circular, all countries, including Nigeria, are to ensure that their citizens performing Hajj are physically fit and free from ailments that could affect their health or that of others during the pilgrimage.

The Saudi Ministry of Health listed severe heart, lung, or kidney diseases, advanced chronic illnesses, and mental or psychological disorders as conditions that may prevent an individual from performing Hajj.

It mandates full compliance with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health medical fitness requirements for attending Hajj, including a certificate from medical authorities of the pilgrims’ countries confirming that they are free of conditions like major organ failure (heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys); neurological or psychiatric disorders that impair cognition or are accompanied by severe motor disabilities; senility accompanied by dementia; high-risk pregnancy at any stage; cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, biological, or radiological treatment; and active infectious diseases with a public health impact such as tuberculosis and hemorrhagic fever.

On vaccination, the Saudi health authorities reiterated that all intending pilgrims must present valid certificates of vaccination against COVID-19, meningitis, polio, and yellow fever before entering the Kingdom.

To ensure effectiveness of the guidelines, Saudi authorities will conduct health screenings at all entry points to ensure compliance with the set requirements while any traveler who fails to meet these health standards may be denied entry, isolated, or subjected to further medical evaluation.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that “no pilgrim suffering from the listed diseases will be allowed to travel, and health certificates will be thoroughly verified before and upon arrival in the Kingdom.”

It also disclosed that additional measures may be taken if there are global disease outbreaks or international public health emergencies during or prior to the Hajj exercise, in coordination with the World Health Organization, WHO.

The NAHCON, has therefore, urged all intending pilgrims to take note of these requirements and ensure they complete the necessary vaccinations and health checks well ahead of the 2026 Hajj season.

The commission restated its commitment to work with the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Licensed Tour Operators to enforce compliance as provided to avoid travel disruptions at the point of entry into the Kingdom for Hajj.

NAHCON,:Increase the BTA to $800

By Ibrahim Muhammad

The ongoing downward review of the 2026 Hajj fare, as directed by President Bola Tinubu presents a timely opportunity for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to also review the Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) for Nigerian pilgrims, from the current $500 to $800.

This upward adjustment would better serve the purpose for which the BTA was originally designed: to provide pilgrims with sufficient funds to meet their essential financial needs during Hajj.

While it is understandable that such an increase may pose a challenge for NAHCON in maintaining the President’s directive on fare reduction—given that the current Hajj fare template already includes $500 (equivalent to about ₦775,000)—the Commission can manage this adjustment by negotiating a lower foreign exchange rate (lower than the official rate) to absorb the differential.

Let’s make hay while we have the President’s listening ear.

The entire Hajj fare goes for services enjoyed by pilgrims except BTA. This is the only cash that is returned to the pilgrims to provide basic funds, and therefore needs to be looked into. NAHCON should brief the President on the necessity of a higher BTA for Nigerian pilgrims. BTA used to be in the range of $1,000 and later downgraded to $800, from where to nosedived to $700. It is now $500. It has been the higher the Hajj fare, the lower the BTA.

For many pilgrims, especially first-timers from rural areas, the BTA serves as a vital financial lifeline throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia. A closer look at typical expenditure patterns makes this clear:

* Payment for Sacrificial Animal (Hady): Most pilgrims depend on their BTA to pay for this obligation. The minimum cost of the official coupon in Saudi Arabia is around SR750 (approximately $200), excluding those who risk cheaper roadside options that are prone to fraud. Sponsored pilgrims fall in this category.

* Transportation: Pilgrims staying in accommodations far from the Grand Mosques often spend at least SR30 per day on transportation. Over 15 days, this amounts to SR450 (about $100).
* Feeding: Although meals are provided, about 70–80% of pilgrims still spend a minimum of SR20 daily on additional food, totaling roughly SR600 (around $150). Those closer to Haram need to buy little gifts for their family.

By conservative estimates, these basic expenses alone consume over $450 of the current $500 BTA, leaving pilgrims with barely $50 for emergencies or personal needs. Many exhaust their allowance within the first week of arrival, leading to financial stress that can affect their concentration and comfort while performing Hajj rites.

Raising the BTA to $800 may be challenging, but it is a compassionate and practical step that serves the best interests of Nigerian pilgrims.

Muhammad is the National Coordinator,
Independent Hajj Reporters