Health advice and vaccination requirements for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims prior to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
This year, the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is expected to take place between 4th June and 9th June 2025.
The Hajj is one of the world’s largest religious events, taking place annually. Umrah, the “minor” or “lesser” pilgrimage to Mecca, can be undertaken at any time of year.
Immunisation requirements
In advance of travelling to Hajj or Umrah, pilgrims from Ireland are required to have received meningococcal vaccination, the Ministry of Health in KSA list the following as approved vaccinations:
- The polysaccharide vaccine (ACYWX), or the polysaccharide vaccine (ACYW-135), provided that the period since receiving the vaccine is not less than 10 days and does not exceed 3 years.
- The quadrivalent conjugate vaccine (ACYW-135), provided that the period since receiving the vaccine is not less than 10 days and does not exceed 5 years.
COVID-19 vaccination is required for certain pilgrims prior to travel to Hajj, pilgrims with any of the following conditions will require proof of immunisation:
- Age over 65 years
- Pregnant women
- Chronic heart diseases
- Chronic respiratory diseases
- Chronic kidney failure
- Hereditary blood disorders (sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia)
- Congenital or drug-induced immunodeficiency, or cancer
- Chronic neurological diseases
Proof of immunization against COVID-19 includes at least one of the following:
1. A single dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024-2025 season, or
2. Completion of the primary vaccination series (two or more doses received during the years 2021 to 2023), or
3. Laboratory-confirmed recovery from a COVID-19 infection during the year 2024.
Mass gatherings advice
Mass gatherings can pose public health challenges to the health of the attendees and the host country population and health services. Pilgrims should follow travel health advice, including advice on basic infection control measures to reduce the risk of acquiring and spreading infections. The advice includes vaccination with required and recommended vaccines prior to the Hajj and Umrah. It also includes advice on maintaining good handwashing and respiratory etiquette as well as ensuring all food is thoroughly cooked and avoiding mosquito bites.
During or on return from the Hajj
During or on return from the Hajj, pilgrims should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of an infection, e.g. fever, respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. Pilgrims should inform their healthcare provider of their travel history to the Hajj. Due to the presence of MERS-CoV disease in Saudi Arabia, people returning from the Hajj should be aware of the need to seek immediate medical advice if they have a fever (38ºC and over), cough or difficulties breathing within 14 days of their return.
Further information
For further information on health requirements and vaccination recommendations for Hajj and Umrah please see below:
Health requirements and vaccination recommendations for travellers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj https://www.moh.gov.sa/HealthAwareness/Pilgrims_Health/Documents/Hajj-Health-Requirements-English-language.pdf
Health requirements and vaccination recommendations for travellers to Saudi Arabia for Umrah https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/Pilgrims_Health/Documents/Health-Regulations-Umrah-EN.pdf