SINGAPORE — Starting in 2026, all Muslims planning to perform the haj pilgrimage will need to obtain a mandatory health certificate proving that they are medically fit and physically capable of completing the strenuous rituals.
The new requirement, issued by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, aims to protect the safety and well-being of pilgrims, as the haj involves long walks, intense heat, and dense crowds that can be physically demanding even for healthy individuals.
What the Medical Certification Entails
Under the new policy, pilgrims must undergo a comprehensive medical assessment by a registered doctor in Singapore. The health certificate must confirm that the individual:
- Has no serious medical condition that could compromise safety during haj;
- Is capable of walking long distances and enduring physically taxing conditions; and
- Does not carry communicable or high-risk diseases.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) said all health certifications must be submitted by November 21, 2025, for those selected for the 2026 pilgrimage.
Medical Conditions That Disqualify Applicants
According to the Saudi guidelines, applicants will not qualify for a haj visa if they suffer from:
- Major organ failure such as kidney failure requiring dialysis;
- Severe neurological or psychiatric disorders impairing cognition or movement;
- Advanced dementia or total dependency on mobility aids or caregivers;
- Communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, viral haemorrhagic fever or other infections;
- Cancer patients currently undergoing chemotherapy or intensive treatment.
Those with manageable chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol may still qualify, provided they can demonstrate stable control and fitness through medical documentation.
Rationale Behind the New Requirements
Medical experts note that the haj environment can pose extreme physiological stress due to prolonged walking in heat exceeding 40°C, combined with sleep deprivation and crowd pressure.
The Saudi health ministry has therefore standardised fitness verification globally to reduce medical emergencies, hospitalisation rates, and mortality among elderly pilgrims.
Muis’ Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Faishal Ibrahim said the measures are meant to protect pilgrims, not exclude them:
“These requirements ensure the haj can be performed safely and meaningfully. They help prevent life-threatening complications among vulnerable pilgrims.”
Focus on Seniors and Ethical Guidance
To support older pilgrims, Muis will prioritise those aged 70 and above who are medically certified fit.
A fatwa issued by Singapore’s Fatwa Committee clarifies that those unable to travel for health reasons may defer or appoint a proxy, and if unable to perform the haj even by proxy, their obligation is religiously lifted.
Implementation and Coordination
Muis and the Ministry of Health (MOH) have jointly issued guidelines to doctors outlining assessment standards for haj pilgrims.
Doctors will evaluate not just general health, but also cardiovascular stability, mobility, stamina, and infection risks.
The medical certificate is now a prerequisite for haj visa approval and part of a broader international effort to make pilgrimage travel safer and more sustainable.
