Pilgrims on Mount Arafat
The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has released updated health requirements and guidelines for prospective pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj (1447H), following new directives from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In a press release dated December 15, 2025, PAOG announced that strict compliance with the updated health regulations is mandatory and forms a key prerequisite for the issuance of a Hajj visa.
According to the guidelines, only pilgrims who are medically fit will be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage. Persons suffering from major organ failure such as kidney failure requiring dialysis, advanced heart failure, chronic lung disease requiring oxygen support, or advanced liver cirrhosis are not eligible to perform Hajj 2026.
The directive also excludes individuals with severe neurological or psychiatric disorders, elderly persons with dementia, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy, persons with active infectious diseases including tuberculosis, and pregnant women in their last three months or those with high-risk pregnancies.
PAOG further outlined mandatory immunisations required for all prospective pilgrims. These include vaccination against meningococcal meningitis, yellow fever, polio, and COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccination is particularly emphasised for persons aged 65 years and above, and individuals with chronic medical conditions, with the most recent dose required to have been administered between 2021 and 2025. Proof of vaccination through valid certificates will be strictly verified.
In addition, all intending pilgrims are required to undergo comprehensive medical screening at accredited health facilities only. Medical examinations conducted at unaccredited facilities will not be accepted. Upon successful completion of all medical requirements, eligible pilgrims will be issued a Medical Fitness Certificate, which is compulsory for visa processing.
The statement also noted that Saudi authorities will conduct health checks at all ports of entry, warning that pilgrims who fail to meet the health requirements may be denied entry, isolated, or subjected to further medical assessment.
PAOG has encouraged pilgrims to make timely payment of their Hajj fares, explaining that early payment will allow adequate time for medical screening, vaccination, and preparation of health documentation, thereby avoiding last-minute delays in visa processing.
The Medical Director of PAOG and Member of the Hajj Board, Dr. Abdul Samed Tanko, urged all intending pilgrims to cooperate fully with the guidelines to ensure a safe and successful Hajj.