Hours before the first flights depart for the holy city of Mecca, dozens of pilgrims stand in the departure lounges at Cairo International Airport, receiving the latest health instructions from Egyptian Ministry of Health teams. Preventive brochures are being distributed, while chronic medical conditions are carefully reviewed as part of preparations for the 2026 Hajj season.
Egyptian airports and ports have begun witnessing heightened activity — not only from pilgrims completing travel procedures and preparing for the spiritual journey, but also from medical and quarantine teams deployed across departure halls to provide awareness, examination and health guidance services. The efforts are part of a broader plan based on early prevention and rapid response to any emergencies pilgrims may face during their journey.
Awareness campaigns and health screenings are continuing around the clock under a plan developed by the Ministry of Health to secure the 2026 Hajj season. The strategy aims to ensure pilgrims’ safety from the moment they depart Egypt until their safe return home.
The Ministry of Health announced that integrated preventive services have so far been provided to 1,055 Egyptian pilgrims, while 965 health guidance leaflets have been distributed to travelers heading to the Holy Land through Cairo International Airport and Nuweiba Port.
“Fourteen comprehensive awareness seminars were organized, during which educational and preventive guidance was provided regarding Hajj rituals, health precautions to be followed before, during and after the pilgrimage, and how to deal with potential health conditions,” Health Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar said.
He added that special guidance was also provided to pilgrims suffering from chronic diseases.
The ministry stressed its commitment to providing the highest level of healthcare to pilgrims and monitoring their health around the clock in full coordination with Saudi health authorities to ensure they perform the rituals safely.
Beyond medical services, the ministry has also focused on preparing pilgrims physically before travel, especially elderly pilgrims and those suffering from chronic illnesses, who are considered among the most vulnerable during the Hajj season due to high temperatures, long walking distances and overcrowding.
The Ministry of Health recently urged pilgrims to practice daily walking exercises for at least two weeks before travel to help them adapt to the expected physical strain and reduce exhaustion during the rituals.
It also stressed the importance of staying hydrated and consulting doctors before travel, especially for patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Pilgrims were further advised to carry sufficient medication for the entire duration of their trip and follow preventive measures to avoid infections.
Preparations have extended beyond Egypt’s borders, with Egyptian authorities equipping a fully integrated medical mission in Saudi Arabia, including doctors, supervisors and emergency teams tasked with monitoring pilgrims’ health conditions and providing treatment, emergency support and necessary medication.
Coordination is also underway among several state institutions, including the ministries of social solidarity and religious endowments, in addition to and , to ensure both medical care and religious guidance for pilgrims throughout their spiritual journey.
