Hajj 2025 New Rules: Pilgrims to Face Extreme Heat, High Prices, Children Ban

As Muslims from across the globe gather in Mecca for Hajj 2025, a range of challenges is shaping this year’s spiritual journey, from intense heat and new rules to financial barriers and overcrowding concerns.

Extreme Heat Poses Major Health Risk

Pilgrims are once again facing blistering desert temperatures, with Mecca already recording highs of 41°C (106°F). Last year’s Hajj saw temperatures soar to 47°C (117°F), resulting in the deaths of over 1,300 people.

In response, Saudi authorities are urging pilgrims to avoid direct sunlight during the day and to keep their heads covered, except during required rituals. Safety kits being distributed recommend wearing light-colored clothing, using umbrellas, and recognizing early signs of dehydration and heatstroke.

Despite billions invested in cooling systems and crowd management, the combination of high temperatures and massive crowds continues to pose serious risks.

Children Under 12 Barred from Hajj

For the first time in recent years, Saudi Arabia has banned children under 12 from participating in the pilgrimage under his new rules for Hajj 2025. Officials say the decision is a safety measure, given the overwhelming crowds and extreme conditions.

While Islam does not require children to perform Hajj or other obligations until they reach puberty, some parents still express a desire for their children to witness the Kaaba.

Talha Ayub, a father of five from Lahore, left his children with their grandparents while he and his wife performed Hajj. “Even if children were allowed, we probably wouldn’t have taken them because the weather is extremely harsh this year,” he said.

Cost Remains a Barrier for Many

The cost of performing Hajj ranges from $4,000 to $20,000, depending on various factors such as departure location, length of stay, and accommodation level. Currency devaluation, inflation, and increased taxes in Saudi Arabia have pushed prices higher.

Countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh have attempted to ease the financial burden by reducing prices and offering flexible payment plans. Pakistan introduced an installment system allowing pilgrims to pay over several months.

Zaheer Ahmad, a small business owner from Pakistan, said the installment plan made the pilgrimage possible for him. “Otherwise, I might not have been able to go for Hajj at all,” he said.

Saudi Arabia has also introduced a phased payment system for domestic pilgrims.

Long Wait Times & Restrictions on Repeat Pilgrims

Due to limited capacity and set national quotas, many aspiring pilgrims face long waits. Indonesia, for instance, has 5.4 million people on its waiting list.

Some countries, such as India, have restricted repeat pilgrims from participating through official programs to ensure more people get the opportunity to perform Hajj. Exceptions are made in certain cases, such as accompanying elderly relatives.

Crackdown on Unauthorized Pilgrims

To prevent unauthorized pilgrimages, Saudi Arabia has suspended short-term visa issuance for citizens of 14 countries, including Pakistan, India, Egypt, and Indonesia. This follows reports that many of last year’s heat-related deaths involved unregistered pilgrims who lacked access to official facilities like air-conditioned tents.

Authorities have warned that anyone attempting to enter Mecca without a valid Hajj visa will face fines of up to 20,000 riyals (approximately $5,330).

As pilgrims embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, the Saudi government and participating countries continue working to balance spiritual fulfillment with safety, access, and sustainability.

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