Saudi Arabia has imposed a new age restriction for Hajj pilgrims, barring individuals under 15 years of age from travelling on Hajj flights, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Saturday. In a press release, the PAA said Saudi Arabia has enforced the restriction with immediate effect.

“According to the directive, no pilgrim under the age of 15 years (as of May 27, 2026, corresponding to 9th Zulhijjah 1447 AH — Day of Arafat) will be permitted to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj,” the authority stated.

The restriction will come into force from May 3 with all relevant authorities at Pakistani airports, including immigration officials, instructed to ensure strict compliance. The PAA confirmed that visas issued to pilgrims under the age of 15 stand cancelled.

However, Saudi authorities have assured that affected pilgrims may opt to cancel their Hajj journey and will receive a full refund of the amount deposited. “All airlines and Hajj operators are advised to immediately disseminate this information and ensure full compliance with the directive,” the PAA added.

Notification issued by the Office of Pilgrim Affairs Pakistan

Separately, a notification issued by the Office of Pilgrim Affairs Pakistan (OPAP) quoted Director (Hajj) Muhammad Aslam Arif Rao as citing a telephonic conversation between the Director General of Hajj Pakistan Hajj Mission and Abdullah Al Shehri, Director General of Hajj at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

According to the notification, Al Shehri conveyed that the restriction would take effect 24 hours after 12am on May 3 and that no flight departing from any country would be allowed to carry pilgrims under the age of 15.

The notification further stated that in cases where group members are unable to travel due to the age restriction, they may choose to cancel their Hajj plans.

OPAP reiterated that Saudi Arabia has assured a full refund for all affected pilgrims. It also directed that immigration authorities at Pakistani airports be urgently informed and instructed not to allow any pilgrim under 15 to board Hajj flights, as such visas stand cancelled.

In an another notification, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony’s Hajj IT Cell instructed all Hajj Directorates, HOAP, and airlines to implement the age restriction immediately in line with Saudi government directives.