Saudi Arabia has rolled back its recently announced 15-year age restriction for Hajj pilgrims, restoring the earlier policy that allows children aged 12 and above to participate. Authorities confirmed that the decision came just before the policy was set to take effect on May 3, 2026.
The Pakistan Airports Authority stated that visas previously rejected under the new age limit will now be reprocessed. Officials added that this reversal ensures affected pilgrims can proceed with their travel arrangements without further administrative barriers or delays.
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Moreover, the Directorate General of Hajj confirmed that Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially withdrawn the restriction. This update reinstates eligibility for younger pilgrims and restores consistency with earlier pilgrimage regulations.
Earlier, Saudi authorities had announced that pilgrims under 15 years of age would not be allowed to enter the kingdom for Hajj 2026. That decision had resulted in visa cancellations and refund instructions for affected applicants across multiple countries.
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In addition, officials had issued strict travel guidelines stating that no airline would be permitted to transport underage pilgrims for the pilgrimage period. The regulation had been linked specifically to safety and management concerns during peak Hajj operations.
Finally, the latest reversal has been welcomed by religious travel authorities, as it allows smoother processing of applications and restores access for younger pilgrims. The decision is expected to ease uncertainty for thousands of families preparing for the upcoming pilgrimage season.