NAHCON unveils new travel, medical rules for 2026 Hajj pilgrims

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has rolled out a fresh set of regulations governing travel arrangements, ticketing procedures, and medical requirements for Nigerians participating in the 2026 Hajj.

In a statement released on Thursday by Fatima Usara, the Commission’s Deputy Director of Information and Publication, NAHCON directed all accredited Hajj carriers to begin issuing flight tickets early to 2026 pilgrims. The move, according to the Commission, will ensure that pilgrims receive their exact departure dates well ahead of time.

NAHCON explained that the early-ticketing policy is designed to prevent common errors in pre-arrival data sent to Saudi Arabia—issues that have historically affected the issuance of Nusuk cards and disrupted other essential logistics.

The commission stated that the 2026 Hajj will operate under stricter travel rules as each pilgrim’s ticket will be digitally linked to their Nusuk Card, hotel allocation and group movement.

Pilgrims, it said, will no longer be allowed to switch groups once visas are issued, and missing a scheduled flight will attract penalties, including possible charges for unused seats.

The commission added that it is required to upload all pre-arrival data, including group numbers, accommodation details, and bed-space assignments to Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk Masar platform at least 72 hours before each departure.

NAHCON also announced the stringent enforcement of new medical fitness requirements introduced by Saudi authorities.

According to the commission, pilgrims with any of nine disqualifying medical conditions, including major organ failure, active infectious diseases, severe psychiatric or neurological disorders, and high-risk pregnancies, will not be allowed to travel. It stated that anyone found medically unfit who manages to travel will bear the cost of their own deportation. To ensure compliance, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards have been directed to partner only with certified hospitals for issuing fitness certificates.

NAHCON further disclosed that it has concluded camp bookings and service arrangements but warned that states risk losing slots if payments are not remitted promptly.

It also announced that registration for the 2026 Hajj ends on Friday, urging intending pilgrims who have not completed their payments to do so within the next 24 hours. ” For the 2026 pilgrimage, Air Peace, FlyNas, Max Air and Umza Air have been approved as official carriers, with allocations already communicated to states,” the statement said.