Saudi Arabia sets minimum age of 15 for Hajj pilgrims

Pilgrims can swap minor’s registrations with pre-registered adults

The Saudi Arabian government has set the minimum age for Hajj pilgrims at 15 this year.

Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed this in a letter issued by the ministry’s Hajj Section-1 on Wednesday, said its spokesperson Abu Bakar Siddique.

The letter, addressed to Hajj pilgrims, agencies, and relevant banks, said the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had determined the minimum age limit of 15 for those wishing to perform Hajj in 2025 (1446 Hijri) after considering the health and safety of children.

The age will be calculated based on the birth date listed in the passport.

The ministry said if a child below the age requirement has already been registered for Hajj, their slot, along with that of their guardian if applicable, can be transferred to a pre-registered pilgrim.

This rule will apply to both government and private-sector registered pilgrims for this year’s Hajj.