Travel vaccinations for Saudi Arabia (Hajj & Umrah)
Saudi Arabia requires proof of Meningitis ACWY vaccination for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, alongside other health preparation for the physical demands of pilgrimage.
We support many pilgrims from our local community preparing for Hajj and Umrah each year, and Meningitis ACWY vaccination is a mandatory visa requirement, not just a recommendation.
Beyond the mandatory vaccine, pilgrimage involves large crowds, physical exertion and extended time outdoors, which brings its own preparation needs.
Assessed individually
Vaccines commonly discussed for Saudi Arabia (Hajj & Umrah)
- Meningitis ACWYEveryone - check you are up to date. Mandatory for pilgrims aged 1 year and over. The conjugate vaccine must be given at least 10 days before travel and within the last 5 yearsFull course £80
- Diphtheria, tetanus and polioEveryone - check you are up to date. Booster if it's been over 10 yearsFull course £50
No vaccine for this
Malaria in Saudi Arabia (Hajj & Umrah)
No malaria risk in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Riyadh or Ta'if. Very low risk only in the south-western provinces near the Yemen border below 2,000m, where bite avoidance is advised.
Antimalarial tablets and pricesOnly if arriving via a risk country
Yellow fever
No yellow fever vaccination is needed for travel from the UK. A certificate is only required from travellers arriving from a yellow fever risk country, and for those who have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in one.
Yellow fever certificates and exemptionsBeyond the jabs
Before you go
- Physical demands of walking long distances in crowds and heat
- Heat exhaustion and sun protection given time spent outdoors
- Respiratory illness spreads easily in large crowds - hygiene and, where appropriate, a face covering can help
- Foot care - comfortable, well-worn footwear and blister prevention for long days of walking
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart conditions are worth discussing in detail, including how heat and activity levels may affect routine medicines
- Older travellers and those with reduced mobility may want to discuss pacing and support options with their tour operator alongside their consultation
- Pack any regular medicines with a doctor's letter, and check current guidance on quantities allowed
- Entry requirements
- A Hajj or Umrah visa is required, and proof of Meningitis ACWY vaccination is checked as part of the visa process. Confirm current requirements with your pilgrimage tour operator and our pharmacist.
- When to go
- Hajj dates follow the Islamic lunar calendar and shift each year; Umrah can be undertaken at other times of year.
Common questions
Travelling to Saudi Arabia (Hajj & Umrah)
Is the Meningitis ACWY vaccine really compulsory?
Yes. Saudi Arabia requires proof of Meningitis ACWY vaccination from all pilgrims aged 1 year and over as part of the Hajj and Umrah visa process. The conjugate vaccine must have been given at least 10 days before you travel and within the last 5 years, so repeat pilgrims should check the date on their last certificate.
How far in advance should I book my pilgrimage vaccination?
We recommend booking at least 3–4 weeks before travel to allow time for the certificate to become valid and to fit around your visa application, though we can often accommodate shorter notice.
What else should I prepare for beyond the mandatory vaccine?
It's worth discussing heat management, general fitness for walking long distances, and how to manage any existing medical conditions or regular medicines during your pilgrimage.
