Travel advice for Hajj and Umrah

Hajj is an annual religious pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia that thousands embark on during the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. It's a 5-6 day journey that involves a sequence of physical and spiritual rituals, and is considered a mandatory part of the Islamic faith for those who can afford to participate.

What is Umrah?

Similarily, Umrah is also a religious pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, but unlike Hajj, this one can be taken at any date through the year, and it is not a mandatory part of Islamic faith. This ritual lasts only a few hours and is said to make the soul become more peaceful and the heart clearer, often being used to seek forgiveness, emotionally cleanse, or set pure intentions.

• Meningitis ACWY vaccine - this is mandatory for both Hajj and Umrah pilgrims (aged 2+) travelling from the UK, and you must have received the vaccine at least 10 days before you land in Saudi Arabia. You must carry an official certificate that clearly states the name of the vaccine and the date it was administered, otherwise you could be refused entry.

• Yellow Fever - if you're travelling from or passing through (including for a flight layover) a country considered high risk for Yellow Fever², then you'll need to provide a valid Yellow Fever certificate in order to enter Saudi Arabia and embark on the pilgrimage.
• Polio booster - in the UK this is covered as a routine childhood vaccination, however if you're travelling via a country where Polio is still present, you might need to show proof of a booster dose received in the last 12 months.

• COVID-19 boooster - the Saudi Ministry of Health recommends that all pilgrims are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Having proof of a recent booster is the easiest way to avoid any travel complications.
• Seasonal flu jab - the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health continue to raise awareness of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome - a viral respiratory infection that first broke out in 2012. Keeping up to date with an annual flu vaccination is an easy way to help protect yourself against similar illnesses.

• Hepatitis A and B - while Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food, Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. This can be a particular risk when it comes to the traditional head-shaving ritual, if the equipment used is not sterile.
• Pneumonia vaccine - this is highly recommended for pilgrims aged 65 and over, or those who might have underlying health issues such as chronic heart or lung conditions.

Travel requirements can vary from country to country, so before you travel anywhere abroad, it's always worth checking the Foreign Travel Advice for latest updates.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is a form of protection that is designed to help you if your holiday doesn’t go as planned. If you become sick, injured or have no way to get home, travel insurance can help you avoid having to fork out unexpected payments. This includes medical care, which can, depending on your destination, cost thousands of pounds.

Travel insurance can be bought at any time before your trip, but a top tip is to purchase it as soon as you book your flight so it's ticked off the list.

There are lots of places you can buy travel insurance:

• Banks
• Supermarkets
• Online insurance and comparison websites
• Travel agents

Vaccinations

Use our guide above - as well as the official guidance from the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health - to ensure you're up to date with all the required travel vaccinations ahead of your pilgrimage.

Most vaccinations need to have been administered at least 10 days before you travel to allow time for the immunity to kick in, so it's important to book your appointment early so that you're covered well in advance. Find your nearest Well Pharmacy to get your vaccinations booked.

Fitness and mobility

Both Hajj and Umrah involve lots of walking and can be extremely physically demanding. On average, pilgrims can walk between 5-15km per day during Hajj.³

Before you set off for your journey, you should try to adopt a basic exercise routine to help increase your fitness levels and make sure you're as prepared as possible for the pilgrimage.

Saudia Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also provides services including transport, mobility aids and support by trained staff for pilgrims with physical disabilities. If you need assistance during your stay, you should plan ahead and contact the relevant organisations and authorities, both at the airport and in the country.⁵

Medication

If you've been prescribed medication, you should make sure that you have enough for the duration of your trip. You can order your prescription medications before you travel with the support of your local pharmacist.

Emergency contact

In 2024, 18,277 pilgrims were treated in emergencies. A further 2,463 were hospitalised.¹ Although this was only a small percentage of travellers, having an emergency contact can help if you’re faced with a medical emergency abroad.

An emergency contact can help if you're facing difficult situations abroad. They don’t have to be your next of kin or family member, but they should be able to support you if you need help while travelling.

The person or people you choose may be contacted by medical professionals, and local authorities in case of emergencies.

Temperature

Temperatures in Saudi Arabia change throughout the year, with the summer much warmer than the winter months. However, the winter is considerably warmer than average temperatures in the UK. It’s not unusual for nighttime temperatures to be 20°C or more and daytime temperatures to reach over 30°C.

High temperatures can increase your risk of dehydration, overheating, exhaustion and heatstroke. You should try to avoid direct heat exposure and drink plenty of water. You can also keep cool by:

• Wearing loose clothes
• Wearing natural fibres like cotton and linen
• Wearing hats and using umbrellas
• Sponging yourself with cool water
• Familiarising yourself with your surroundings so you can leave quickly if needed
• Educating yourself on the signs of heat-related illness, such as symptoms of heat rash, heat cramps, heat collapse, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Alert your travel companions or medical professionals if you start to experience any of them.⁶

Emergency services

If you need immediate medical attention, you can contact 911.

Buying a SIM or eSIM before or during your travels will mean that you can contact your emergency contacts, family and friends if you need support. They are widely available and can even be purchased at King Khalid International Airport upon arrival.

Reducing the risk of infection

Hajj and Umrah bring thousands of people from around the world together in one place. This can increase the likelihood of infectious disease. The NHS recommends that you wear face masks in congested areas to prevent the transmission of respiratory diseases⁷ like COVID-19 and MERS-CoV.

Practising regular handwashing, using tissues when coughing and sneezing and avoiding contact with people who already have infectious illnesses can also help stop the spread.⁷

Food and drink

You should avoid drinking water that isn’t bottled or previously boiled. This should help you avoid ingesting harmful bacteria and viruses and any pollutants that might be in local water supplies.

If you're preparing your own food, you should:

• Wash all fruit and vegetables you plan to cook
• Ensure meat and rice is thoroughly cooked and served hot
• Ensure all milk products are pasteurised
• Avoid shellfish

Taking anti-diarrhoea medication can also help you avoid travellers’ diarrhoea and dehydration.