Health Requirements for Umrah and Hajj

The Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage to city Makkah that can be performed any time throughout the whole year. Umrah is not an obligatory act to perform but it is highly recommended in religion Islam. There are two kinds of Umrah.

Umrah can be combined with pilgrimage Hajj (Umrat al-tammatu) or taken independently of the pilgrimage Hajj (al-Umrat al mufradah). Some health requirements that are necessary for performing pilgrimage to sacred Makkah (Hajj and Umrah) are published by the Ministry of Health annually, Saudi Arabia. Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage that requires lots of physical and health requirements.

Health Requirements for performing Hajj and Umrah

Health requirements that are issued by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health that elderly (65 + years of age) and those who have chronic diseases (like heart disease, respiratory disease, kidney disease and diabetes), immune deficiency, terminal illnesses, and children (below the 12 years) should postpone the performance of the pilgrimage Hajj and Umrah in 2023 for their own safety.

It is also advised to pilgrims to comply with health guidelines in order to restrain the spread of any kind of respiratory infections, which can be summarized as follows:

• Wash your hands with soap and water or disinfectant again and again, especially after coughing and sneezing or shaking hands with anyone.

• Use disposable tissues while sneezing or coughing and dispose of them completely.

• Avoid using your hands in contact with the nose, eyes and mouth.

• Avoid direct link with the person who is infected or use of their gadgets.

• Try staying away from gathering places.

• Maintain good and better personal hygiene.

• Avoid eating undercook meat.

• Avoid sitting near to ill, sick or infected person.

• Avoid sharing someone’s food or drink.

Requirements for Hajj and Umrah Vaccination

Meningococcal Meningitis

Pilgrims from any country, who are coming for Hajj pilgrimage and Umrah, or for any kind of seasonal work, are necessary required to show a certificate of vaccination against the infection of meningococcal meningitis ACWY. Both conjugate and polysaccharide vaccines are acceptable for Umrah or Hajj visa purposes, but use of conjugate is most recommended :

What is conjugate and polysaccharide vaccine?

• Conjugate vaccine – it is a single dose to be given not less than 10 days before to influx in Saudi Arabia

• Polysaccharide vaccine - single dose that is to be given not more than 3 years and also not less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Umrah and Hajj visas will not be issued until and unless proof of authentic vaccination has showed, at least 10 days before to the date of entry is submitted along with the Umrah or Hajj visa application.