Guidance for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims

Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, is the largest gathering of its kind in the world, with over two million Muslims attending.

Hajj takes place between the eight and twelfth day of the last month of the Islamic calendar. Umrah, the “minor” or “lesser” pilgrimage to Mecca, can be undertaken at any time of year.

In advance of travelling to Hajj or Umrah, pilgrims from Ireland are required to have received the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (ACW135Y) within the last three years and should ensure that they are up to date on their other immunisations.

Hajj and Umrah travellers with pre-existing medical conditions should be advised to consult a healthcare provider to review the risk before deciding to make the pilgrimage and identify a trusted healthcare facility prior to travel in the case of a health emergency during their stay. Travellers who require medical care should minimise contact with other sick people in the facility.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Saudi Arabia has updated advice for travelers to Saudia Arabia for Hajj.

The European Centre Disease Prevention and Control has issued a Communicable disease threats report, 11-17 June 2023, week 24

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