The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has advised the public, particularly prospective pilgrims and accredited Hajj agents, cautioning that Ghanaians banned from entering Saudi Arabia should not attempt to pay Hajj fees for the 2026 pilgrimage.
In a statement signed by PAOG’s Director of Communications, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, the Directorate reminded the public of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s strict enforcement of permit regulations following events from the 2025 Hajj.
According to the statement, the Government of Saudi Arabia suspended and barred thousands of unregistered pilgrims, including individuals who tried to perform Hajj using short-term or inappropriate visas. More than 269,000 people without valid Hajj permits were turned away from entering Mecca during the 2025 pilgrimage season.
Among those affected were several Ghanaian nationals who have been banned from entering Saudi Arabia for approximately five years.
PAOG further highlighted that the Saudi Ministry of Tourism has also placed restrictions on accommodation in Mecca, prohibiting hotels and other facilities from hosting anyone without a valid Hajj permit or a work/residency permit during the Hajj period. These measures aim to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and maintain order during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Given these strict regulations, PAOG cautioned all Hajj agents and prospective pilgrims to avoid processing payments or accepting any Hajj fees from individuals who have been officially banned. The office stressed that no refunds will be issued to banned persons who attempt to pay for Hajj 2026, as such payments will lead to “severe complications and non-refundable losses.”
PAOG also underscored that the Saudi authorities will not issue visas under any circumstances to individuals listed under the ban.
The statement call for compliance to ensure a smooth and orderly Hajj preparation process for 2026.
