About Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages
Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), performed by Muslims. Unlike Hajj, which is mandatory for those who are physically and financially able, Umrah is not compulsory but highly recommended as a form of worship.
Pilgrims are usually required to have vaccinations prior to attending Hajj/Umrah and this changes annually.
British nationals and British residents in Saudi Arabia should register to perform Hajj through the official Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Nusuk Hajj platform .
What Are The Mandatory Vaccinations ?
We offer a wide range of travel vaccinations from our location in Crawley to keep you safe. During your consultation with a pharmacist, we will talk you through the health risks at your travel destinations to check which vaccines you need.
Mandatory Vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages
Meningococcal meningitis:
Meningococcal quadrivalent (MenACWY-135) polysaccharide vaccine, e.g. (MENVEO) received within the last 3 years and at least 10 days prior to arrival; or
Meningococcal quadrivalent (MenACYW-135) conjugated 2 vaccine, e.g. (NIMENRIX) received within the last 5 years and at least 10 days prior to arrival.
All travellers aged 1 year and older, from all countries must be vaccinated.
If the vaccine type is not documented clearly in the travel certificate, then the vaccine will only be considered valid for 3 years, from the date of administration.
We provide a certificate at the time of vaccination (inclusive in the price).
Polio:
If you are travelling from a country with a risk of contracting polio, you will need to provide proof that you have received a dose of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine or oral polio vaccine, within the last 12 months but at least 4 weeks before arrival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. If you are flying directly from the United Kingdom to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, you do not need polio vaccination. Travellers from countries where there is a risk of contracting polio, will be given a dose of the oral polio vaccine on arrival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, regardless of their vaccination status.
Yellow Fever:
If you are entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission , you may require a yellow fever certificate. There is no risk of yellow fever in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
We provide a certificate at the time of vaccination (inclusive in the price).
Personalised Travel Health Advice
Beyond vaccinations, we also offer tailored travel health advice. Our team will take the time to understand your plans and offer advice on how to stay healthy during your trip. This includes information on:
-
Food and Water Safety: What to avoid eating and drinking to minimise the risk of stomach illnesses like food poisoning or traveller’s diarrhoea.
-
Insect Bite Prevention: How to protect yourself from mosquito bites, which can transmit diseases like malaria and dengue fever. We’ll advise you on using insect repellent, sleeping under nets, and wearing protective clothing.
-
First Aid Kits: What essentials you should pack in your first aid kit, including treatments for common travel issues like sunburn, cuts, and bites.
-
Managing Chronic Conditions: If you have an existing health condition, we can help you manage it while travelling. We’ll discuss any medication you need to take and how to store it, as well as what to do if you experience any issues while away.
-
Climate Related Health Risks: High temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius or higher is common in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and can cause sunburn, sunstroke, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration. We will advise you on how to monitor for signs of dehydration, sun safety tips and how to stay safe in high temperatures and high humidity.
-
Delay your period: It is possible for women to delay their period for Hajj or Umrah by taking hormonal medication such as Norethisterone. This is available at ABC Health Clinic and our expert Pharmacists can discuss this with you.
When Should You Book Your Appointment?
Ideally, you should book your travel vaccinations at least four to six weeks before you leave. This gives your body enough time to build immunity. However, if you’re traveling at short notice, don’t worry—we can still provide last-minute vaccinations and advice to make sure you’re as prepared as possible. Please note for the Meningococcal ACWY-135 vaccine, this vaccine must be administered at least a minimum of 10 days before arrival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Disclaimer
The information is this post is for general information purposes. It is not intended to replace medical advice from a healthcare professional.
We make an effort to keep the content on this page current and accurate but are not liable for any inaccuracies in the information on this page.