umrah travel vaccinations

The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

Hajj and Umrah Health Requirements

Health requirements that must be met by Hajj pilgrims and Umrah performers (updates will be issued as needed):

The Ministry of Health has established a number of requirements that must be met by visitors to obtain an Entry Visa for Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Hajj season 1434 H. These health regulations include:

1 - Yellow Fever

A) In accordance with the International Health Regulations 2005, all travelers arriving from countries or areas at risk of yellow fever must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate showing that the person was vaccinated at least 10 days and at most 10 years before arrival at the border. In case of the absence of such a certificate, the individual will be placed under strict surveillance for 6 days from the date of vaccination or the last date of potential exposure to infection, whichever is earlier. Health offices at entry points will be responsible for notifying the appropriate Director General of Health Affairs in the region or governorate about the temporary place of residence of the visitor.

The following countries/areas are at risk of yellow fever transmission:

B)  Visitors from African Countries : For visitors arriving from countries in the African meningitis belt (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and the Sudan), in addition to the above stated requirements, ciprofloxacin tablets (500 mg) chemoprophylaxis will be administered at port of entry to lower the rate of carriers.

C)  Interior pilgrims and the Hajj workers:  Vaccination with quadrivalent (ACYW135) vaccine is required for: 

• All citizens and residents of Madinah and Makkah who have not been vaccinated during the past 3 years; 
• All citizens and residents undertaking the Hajj; 
• All Hajj workers who have not been vaccinated in the past 3 years; 
• Any individual working at entry points or in direct contact with pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

3 - Poliomyelitis

All travelers arriving from polio-endemic countries and re-established transmission countries, namely, Afghanistan, Chad, Nigeria and Pakistan, regardless of age and vaccination status, should receive 1 dose of oral polio vaccine (OPV). Proof of polio vaccination at least 6 weeks prior to departure is required for visitors from polio-endemic and re-established transmission countries to apply for an entry visa for Saudi Arabia and travelers will also receive 1 dose of OPV at border points on arrival in Saudi Arabia. The same requirements are valid for travelers from recently endemic countries at high risk of re-importation of poliovirus, i.e. India.

All visitors under the age of 15 travelling to Saudi Arabia from countries reporting polio following importation or due to circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus in the past 12 months (as of mid-February 2013, see list below) should be vaccinated against poliomyelitis with the OPV. Proof of OPV or IPV vaccination is required 6 weeks prior to the application for entry visa. Irrespective of previous immunization history, all visitors under 15 years arriving in Saudi Arabia will also receive 1 dose of OPV at border points.

Polio cases related to wild poliovirus importation or to circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus have been registered during the past 12 months in the following countries: Chad, Kenya, Niger, Somalia and Yemen.

4 - Seasonal Influenza:

The Saudi Ministry of Health recommends that international pilgrims be vaccinated against seasonal influenza before arrival into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly those at increased risk of severe influenza diseases, including pregnant women, children under 5 years, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, asthma, and chronic heart or lung diseases. In Saudi Arabia, seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for internal pilgrims, particularly those at risk described above, and all health-care workers in the Hajj premises.

Health Education:

Health authorities in countries of origin are required to provide information to pilgrims on infectious diseases symptoms, methods of transmission, complications, and means of prevention.

Food Material:

Hajj and Umrah performers are not allowed to bring fresh food into Saudi Arabia. Only properly canned or sealed food or food stored in containers with easy access for inspection is allowed in small quantities, sufficient for one person for the duration of his or her trip.

Responses to International Outbreaks:

1 - MERS-COV Precautions: The Saudi Ministry of Health recommends that the elderly (above 65 years of age) and those with chronic diseases (e.g. heart disease, kidney disease, respiratory disease, diabetes) and pilgrims with immune deficiency (congenital and acquired), malignancy and terminal illnesses, pregnant women and children (under 12) coming for Hajj and Umrah this year, postpone the performance of the Hajj and Umrah for their own safety.

The Saudi Ministry of Health also advises all pilgrims to comply with common public health guidelines to curb the spread of respiratory infectious disease, which can be summarized as follows:

• Wash hands with soap and water or disinfectant, especially after coughing and sneezing
• Use disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and dispose of them in a waste basket.
• Try as much as possible to avoid hand contact with the eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid direct contact with infected persons (people with symptoms such as cough, sneezing, expectoration, vomiting, and diarrhea) and do not share their personal gadgets.
• Wear masks, especially when in crowded places.
• Maintain good personal hygiene.

2 - General Precautions: Updating immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases in all travelers is strongly recommended. Preparation for international travel provides opportunity to review the immunization status of travelers. Incompletely immunized travelers can be offered routine vaccinations recommended in national immunization schedules (these usually include diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, and mumps), in addition to those needed for the specific travel (e.g. meningococcal vaccination for Hajj).

3 - Emergency Precautions: In the event of a public health emergency of international health concern, or in the case of any disease outbreak subject to notification under the International Health Regulations 2005, the health authorities in Saudi Arabia will undertake additional preventive precautions (not included in the measures mentioned above), following consultation with the WHO, that are necessary to avoid the spread of infection during the pilgrimage or on return to their country of origin.

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Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

• General Travel Health Advice

Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage

• Saudi Arabia Hajj and Umrah Regulations

Before you Travel

During travel.

• When you Return Home

Further Information

The Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have published the official health recommendations for Hajj and Umrah 1445H/2024

Hajj is an Islamic religious pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia which is attended by 2 to 3 million pilgrims annually. Hajj begins on the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah (the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar) and ends by the 13th day. The date of Hajj occurs 11 days earlier each year because the Islamic calendar is 11 days shorter than the calendar used in the western world.

• The dates for 1445H/2024 are expected to occur between 14 June until 19 June 2024

Pilgrims from the United Kingdom wishing to perform Hajj 1445H/2024 must make a request through the official Ministry of Hajj Nusuk Hajj website .

• Further information on eligibility and the application process can be found in the Nusuk FAQ section .

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) that can be undertaken at any time of the year. Umrah can be:

• combined with Hajj (this is called Umrat al-tammatu) or
• taken independently of Hajj (this is called al-Umrat al mufradah)

Information on booking Umrah services can be found on the Nusuk website .

Saudi Arabia Hajj and Umrah Regulations

Saudi arabia ministry of health advice.

Each year, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) issue public health recommendations and regulations to prevent and control health threats during Hajj.

• see the official health requirements and recommendations for Hajj 1445H/2024
• see the official health requirements and recommendations for Umrah 1445H/2024

These regulations detail both required and recommended vaccines for international pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah.

If you think it possible you may need vaccines or boosters, or you are not sure, you should arrange a travel health risk assessment at least 6 to 8 weeks before you travel. If your trip is sooner, remember it is never too late to seek advice.

Required Vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah for UK pilgrims

Meningococcal Meningitis

• this needs to be administered within the last 5 years and at least 10 days before your arrival in Saudi Arabia
• you will need a vaccination certificate which clearly details the date and type of meningitis vaccine you received

Recommended vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The MoH KSA recommends all travellers aged 12 years and over intending to perform or attend Hajj and Umrah to be vaccinated against COVID-19

• see the list of COVID-19 vaccines approved by the MoH KSA  
• see NHS inform and NHS UK for more information on the UK spring booster campaign, including eligibility

Routine Vaccines 

Before travelling to Hajj or Umrah it is recommended that you are up-to-date with routine vaccines for life in the UK, including:

• a minimum of 5 doses of a diphtheria, tetanus and polio-containing vaccine are needed in your lifetime to provide good long-term protection.
• two doses of MMR vaccine are needed in your lifetime to protect you against all three viruses
• see NHS inform and NHS UK for more information on the UK flu vaccine campaigns

Travel Vaccines 

You should discuss with a travel health professional if you may need any boosters and/or travel-specific vaccines recommended for travel to Saudi Arabia .

Before booking travel, check the 'Entry Requirements' section of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) guidance for the latest rules you will need to comply with to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Travel Insurance

You should purchase comprehensive travel insurance before travelling:

• make sure you tell your travel insurance company about any existing health conditions; if you don’t they may not cover you if you get sick
• see the travel insurance page for more information

General Health

Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage involves walking many miles and can be strenuous, even for the fittest individual:

• try to improve your overall mobility and fitness by increasing physical activities at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel

You may benefit from having a general health check-up with your GP or specialist to ensure you are in good enough health and any known health conditions are stable before you go.

Consider having a routine dental and/or eye health check-up and complete any urgent treatment before travelling.

If you want to delay your period (menstruation) during Hajj, this can be done by taking hormonal medication:

• discuss this with your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist at least 2 to 3 months in advance of your pilgrimage

Travelling with Medication

If you take prescribed medication, make sure you have enough supply to cover the duration of your trip, and a little extra supply to allow for unforeseen delays.

• keep all medicines in their original packaging in your hand luggage along with a printed copy of your prescription
• ask your GP for a letter listing your current medicines for immigration purposes
• check with the Saudi Arabia foreign embassy if you are unsure

For further information see the travelling with medicines page.

First Aid Kit

You should take a first aid kit with you.

• see the First Aid page for information on what items and medication you should include in your first aid kit
• make sure any sharp items are placed in your hold luggage to ensure you are compliant with airport security

Accidents and Injuries

Accidents and injuries, such as slips, falls, stampedes and road accidents are common during the Hajj pilgrimage due to millions of pilgrims moving from one ritual place to another at the same time. To protect yourself, consider:

• taking extra care when walking alongside busy roads, or close to heavy traffic
• this is particularly important if you have diabetes or any condition causing poor circulation.

See the Accident Prevention  page for further information.

Climate Related Health Risks

Temperatures can be greater than 30°C during the day in Saudi Arabia even during the winter and cause:

• heat exhaustion, heat stroke
• dehydration

Arriving in the country a few days early will allow you to acclimatise to the heat before undertaking Hajj. To avoid high daytime temperatures, you may be able to perform some rituals in the evening. Be aware that at night temperatures can fall to low levels, particularly during winter months.

It is important to:

• rest whenever possible
• keep yourself well hydrated using safe drinks
• seek shade where possible (consider using an umbrella to create shade)
• use a protective sunscreen, factor (SPF) 30 or higher
• bring warm bedding / clothing for night time

See the Sun Safety and Heat and Humidity pages for further information.

Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory infections, such as flu ( influenza) and  Coronavirus (COVID-19) can spread easily between people in crowded areas. Meningococcal meningitis is also spread through sneezing, coughing or direct contact with respiratory secretions.

• See the Respiratory Hygiene and hand hygiene pages for advice on how to reduce your risk of catching and spreading these diseases.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV) is a risk in Saudi Arabia.

• See the (MERS CoV) page for advice on reducing your risk of exposure.

Food and Water precautions

Consuming food and water which contains germs (such as viruses or bacteria) can lead to potentially serious illnesses such as travellers’ diarrhoea and are commonly seen in pilgrims during Hajj. Diseases such as hepatitis A and typhoid are also spread through contaminated food and water.

Wash your hands frequently to reduce your risk of becoming unwell from diseases spread by food and water, especially before eating and drinking and after using the toilet.

• See the Food and Water precautions page for information on how to protect yourself from illnesses caused by food and water

If you have underlying health problems, you may be at increased risk of complications from travellers’ diarrhoea.

• See the Travellers’ Diarrhoea page for information on how to prevent it, and what to do if you get symptoms.

Diseases spread by mosquitoes and other insects

It is important to try and protect yourself from being bitten by mosquitoes and other insects, as they can spread diseases such as dengue fever , malaria or leishmaniasis .

• See the mosquito bite avoidance and insect bite avoidance pages for information on measures you can take to protect yourself.

Blood-borne Virus Transmission Associated with Shaving

Unclean razor blades can transmit blood-borne viral infections, including HIV and hepatitis B . 

To lower your risk, you should:

• avoid sharing personal razors or shaving blades with other people
• only use officially licensed barbers at designated centres and avoid street barbers
• ask the barber to wash their hands before shaving you
• check the barber is using a new disposable single use razor; or ask them to use your personal razor
• avoid all other kinds of razors, including the ones which the blade is changed after every shave
• dispose of personal razor blades safely after use in designated containers

Vaccination against hepatitis B may be recommended if you are considered to be at increased risk. Check with a travel health professional if you are unsure.

When you return home

If you become unwell with symptoms, including fever, cough and/or difficulty in breathing within 14 days of returning home from Hajj, you should call your GP or NHS24 on 111 (out of hours) as soon as possible and inform them you have recently returned from Saudi Arabia.

• Information leaflet for those travelling to Hajj (English)
• Information leaflet for those travelling to Hajj (Arabic)
• Information leaflet for those travelling to Hajj (Bengali)
• Information leaflet for those travelling to Hajj (Urdu)
• The Council of British Hajjis
• Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Ministry of Health portal
• Nusuk platform

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• Disease Prevention Advice

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Saudi Arabia

Many British nationals travel to Saudi Arabia each year for Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage.

Entry requirements for pilgrimage  

You should also read the main section on entry requirements . 

British Nationals resident outside of Saudi Arabia must apply through the official Nusuk Hajj Platform . Details of the process and further updates can also be found on the official  Ministry of Hajj Twitter  and the  Nusuk Hajj platform  pages. Places to perform Hajj in 2024 are closed. Be cautious against people who claim they can secure further places for travellers from the UK. It may be a scam.

Entering Mecca without a valid Hajj permit between 23 May and 21 June could receive a significant fine, deportation and a ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia.

You can apply for an e-visa or electronic visa waiver to perform Umrah outside of the Hajj season.

If you have booked a Hajj package for 2024 and have any queries, you should visit the Nusuk website or check:

Tel: +966 9200 31201

Email: [email protected]

Social media: ‘Nusuk Hajj’ on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter

The Hajj visa is for a set length of time. It is not extendable. Check your visa expiry date to make sure you know when you must leave Saudi Arabia by. If you overstay, you may incur large fines and/or be detained and deported or banned from returning to Saudi Arabia in the future. Stay with your tour guide and group throughout the Hajj to make sure you receive your Hajj package entitlement.

Personal documents

Keep your passport and travel documentation safe during Hajj. Take photocopies and keep one copy with you. Leave a copy with friends or family. If you lose your passport during the Hajj, you will need to apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) to return to the UK which costs £100. You will need to allow time for the ETD to be processed. See  Apply for an Emergency Travel Document  for more information.

Health risks and vaccination requirements  

You must have a valid certificate of vaccination against the ACWY strains of meningitis 10 days before arriving for Hajj and Umrah. For more information on health risks and vaccination requirements, read the  TravelHealthPro Hajj and Umrah guide .

Check the health page for advice on bringing medicines into Saudi Arabia. Make sure you have enough medication for your entire trip, and for if your return is delayed.

Contagious diseases spread quickly, particularly during Hajj and Ramadan. Flu, colds and respiratory problems are common.

Prepare for extreme heat. During the summer months, the temperature may exceed 50°C. Consume adequate liquids and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

UK-based organised crime groups target people planning Hajj or Umrah trips. Criminals pick people of any age, gender or location for their scams. Many victims are over the age of 65.  

To avoid scams: 

• be aware you can only book a Hajj place on the Nusuk Hajj platform  
• check Saudi Ministry of Hajj information for the procedures you must follow 
• make sure your travel agent or operator is ATOL protected when booking Umrah  
• research the travel company before you book, even if family or friends recommended it 
• be wary of offers too good to be true – criminals advertise fraudulent deals through licensed travel companies 

Paying for trips 

When paying for your Hajj or Umrah visit: 

• use a credit card where possible 
• have an audit trail and keep a record of any transactions 
• get everything confirmed in writing 
• always ask for written terms and conditions 

Reporting fraud  

If you have been a victim of Hajj fraud in the UK, contact: 

• your local police 
• City of London Police Fraud Desk  
• Action Fraud  

Further information and help  

To plan your visit and keep updated when travelling, see the: 

• Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Twitter and Nusuk Hajj on Twitter  
• British Embassy in Saudi Arabia on  Twitter  and  Facebook  
• Saudi Embassy in the UK  

Consular assistance 

If you require consular assistance that is not related to your Nusuk travel package, contact: 

• the British Consulate General in Jeddah on +9661 1481 9100 
• the  FCDO  in the UK on +44 207 008 5000 

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Hajj and Umrah Health Requirements

Health requirements that must be met by Hajj pilgrims and Umrah performers (updates will be issued as needed):

The Ministry of Health has established a number of requirements that must be met by visitors to obtain an Entry Visa for Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Hajj season 1434 H. These health regulations include:

1 - Yellow Fever

A) In accordance with the International Health Regulations 2005, all travelers arriving from countries or areas at risk of yellow fever must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate showing that the person was vaccinated at least 10 days and at most 10 years before arrival at the border. In case of the absence of such a certificate, the individual will be placed under strict surveillance for 6 days from the date of vaccination or the last date of potential exposure to infection, whichever is earlier. Health offices at entry points will be responsible for notifying the appropriate Director General of Health Affairs in the region or governorate about the temporary place of residence of the visitor.

The following countries/areas are at risk of yellow fever transmission:

B) Aircrafts, ships and other means of transportation coming from countries affected by yellow fever are requested to submit a certificate indicating that it applied disinfection in accordance with methods recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). In accordance with the International Health Regulations 2005, all arriving ships will be requested to provide to the competent authority a valid Ship Sanitation Certificate. Ships arriving from areas at risk for yellow fever transmission may also be required to undergo inspection to ensure they are free of yellow fever vectors, or disinfected, as a condition for granting free pratique (including permission to enter a port, to embark or disembark and to discharge or load cargo or stores).

2 - Meningococcal Meningitis

A)  Visitors from all countries : Visitors arriving for the purpose of Umrah or pilgrimage (Hajj) or for seasonal work are required to submit a certificate of vaccination with the quadrivalent (ACYW135) vaccine against meningitis issued no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. The responsible authorities in the visitor's country of origin should ensure that adults and children over the age of 2 years are given 1 dose of the quadrivalent polysaccharide (ACYW135) vaccine.

B)  Visitors from African Countries : For visitors arriving from countries in the African meningitis belt (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and the Sudan), in addition to the above stated requirements, ciprofloxacin tablets (500 mg) chemoprophylaxis will be administered at port of entry to lower the rate of carriers.

C)  Interior pilgrims and the Hajj workers:  Vaccination with quadrivalent (ACYW135) vaccine is required for: 

·         All citizens and residents of Madinah and Makkah who have not been vaccinated during the past 3 years; 

·         All citizens and residents undertaking the Hajj; 

·         All Hajj workers who have not been vaccinated in the past 3 years; 

·         Any individual working at entry points or in direct contact with pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

3 - Poliomyelitis

All travelers arriving from polio-endemic countries and re-established transmission countries, namely, Afghanistan, Chad, Nigeria and Pakistan, regardless of age and vaccination status, should receive 1 dose of oral polio vaccine (OPV). Proof of polio vaccination at least 6 weeks prior to departure is required for visitors from polio-endemic and re-established transmission countries to apply for an entry visa for Saudi Arabia and travelers will also receive 1 dose of OPV at border points on arrival in Saudi Arabia. The same requirements are valid for travelers from recently endemic countries at high risk of re-importation of poliovirus, i.e. India.

All visitors under the age of 15 travelling to Saudi Arabia from countries reporting polio following importation or due to circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus in the past 12 months (as of mid-February 2013, see list below) should be vaccinated against poliomyelitis with the OPV. Proof of OPV or IPV vaccination is required 6 weeks prior to the application for entry visa. Irrespective of previous immunization history, all visitors under 15 years arriving in Saudi Arabia will also receive 1 dose of OPV at border points.

Polio cases related to wild poliovirus importation or to circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus have been registered during the past 12 months in the following countries: Chad, Kenya, Niger, Somalia and Yemen.

4 - Seasonal Influenza:

The Saudi Ministry of Health recommends that international pilgrims be vaccinated against seasonal influenza before arrival into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly those at increased risk of severe influenza diseases, including pregnant women, children under 5 years, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, asthma, and chronic heart or lung diseases. In Saudi Arabia, seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for internal pilgrims, particularly those at risk described above, and all health-care workers in the Hajj premises.

Health Education:

Health authorities in countries of origin are required to provide information to pilgrims on infectious diseases symptoms, methods of transmission, complications, and means of prevention.

Food Material:

Hajj and Umrah performers are not allowed to bring fresh food into Saudi Arabia. Only properly canned or sealed food or food stored in containers with easy access for inspection is allowed in small quantities, sufficient for one person for the duration of his or her trip.

Responses to International Outbreaks:

1 - MERS-COV Precautions: The Saudi Ministry of Health recommends that the elderly (above 65 years of age) and those with chronic diseases (e.g. heart disease, kidney disease, respiratory disease, diabetes) and pilgrims with immune deficiency (congenital and acquired), malignancy and terminal illnesses, pregnant women and children (under 12) coming for Hajj and Umrah this year, postpone the performance of the Hajj and Umrah for their own safety.

The Saudi Ministry of Health also advises all pilgrims to comply with common public health guidelines to curb the spread of respiratory infectious disease, which can be summarized as follows:

·         Wash hands with soap and water or disinfectant, especially after coughing and sneezing

·         Use disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and dispose of them in a waste basket.

·         Try as much as possible to avoid hand contact with the eyes, nose and mouth.

·         Avoid direct contact with infected persons (people with symptoms such as cough, sneezing, expectoration, vomiting, and diarrhea) and do not share their personal gadgets.

·         Wear masks, especially when in crowded places.

·         Maintain good personal hygiene.

2 - General Precautions: Updating immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases in all travelers is strongly recommended. Preparation for international travel provides opportunity to review the immunization status of travelers. Incompletely immunized travelers can be offered routine vaccinations recommended in national immunization schedules (these usually include diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, and mumps), in addition to those needed for the specific travel (e.g. meningococcal vaccination for Hajj).

3 - Emergency Precautions: In the event of a public health emergency of international health concern, or in the case of any disease outbreak subject to notification under the International Health Regulations 2005, the health authorities in Saudi Arabia will undertake additional preventive precautions (not included in the measures mentioned above), following consultation with the WHO, that are necessary to avoid the spread of infection during the pilgrimage or on return to their country of origin.

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Hajj and Umrah – Travel Advice For Pilgrims

Hajj and umrah.

During the 8th – 13th days of the Dhu al-Hijjah (the 12th month of the Islamic calendar), thousands upon thousands take the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hajj is one of the biggest annual pilgrimages in the world, with around 3.7 million pilgrims participating, and culminates in the beautiful and holy lands of the Makkah Province in Saudi Arabia.

Because the Islamic calendar is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the calendar most commonly used in western countries, the date of Hajj is 11 days earlier from year to year in a British diary. In 2019, Hajj fell between approximately the 9th-14th August. In 2020, Hajj will occur between 28th July and 2nd August.

Unlike Hajj, Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca that can be taken at any date through the year. This pilgrimage is highly recommended for those of the Islamic faith, but isn’t compulsory like Hajj.

There are two types of Umrah:

• Umrat al-tammatu. This is the Umrah taken alongside Hajj
• al-Umrat al mufradah. This is Umrah that is taken on its own, without Hajj

Health Regulations for Pilgrimage

Whichever type of pilgrimage you are planning to make, there are a number of health regulations to follow that are published by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health (MoH). These recommendations for travellers contain all the vaccine requirements for your entry into the country. Make sure you’re clued up on what you need to do before you make pilgrimage this year.

Respiratory Disease

Since its outbreak in 2012, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health have been trying to raise awareness of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV): a viral respiratory infection that can initially cause a fever, cough, nose and throat congestion, diarrhoea and shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms after travelling to Saudi Arabia, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Those infected with MERS-CoV can also carry the infection to countries outside of the Middle East, so please take precaution when around those who have been on a recent pilgrimage.

For your own safety, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health recommend that the following people should delay taking Hajj or Umrah:

• Those with severe medical conditions like heart, kidney or respiratory diseases
• Those with immune deficiencies, terminal or malignant illnesses
• Those over 65 or under 12 years of age
• Pregnant women

Hajj can be incredibly tiring and taxing on your health because of the high temperatures, long walking distances, and the large numbers of pilgrims, so it’s important you’re certain that you and your body can take it before you go. Umrah is not as taxing on your health as Hajj as there are fewer pilgrims. However during busy periods, such as the month when Ramadan is being observed, there are significantly more pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque. If you’re going this year, the Ministry of Health has published a list of helpful tips and guidelines for pilgrims to follow in order to help reduce the risk of respiratory infection. Here’s a quick round-up of what they say:

• Personal hygiene is crucial: make sure to wash your hands with soap, water or antibacterial gel regularly. If you’re coughing or sneezing, or are around people who are, then this is extra important.
• Always use disposable tissues if you need them. Make sure you get rid of these appropriately so as not to pass on infection. It is also advised that pilgrims should wear masks to reduce the spread of infections.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands, as this is an easy way for infection to spread.
• Don’t get too close to anyone showing signs of infection.
• However cute they look, try not to come into direct contact with animals, and always wash your hands properly afterwards if you do.
• Take proper care with anything you eat or drink while you’re on pilgrimage: avoid any food that’s been made in unsanitary conditions, and make sure that any cooked food is piping hot before you eat it, especially if the dish contains meat. Wash all fresh fruit and vegetables with clean drinking water before you eat them, and avoid anything with unpasteurised milk in it like camel’s milk. Take a look at our page on food and water precautions for more info.

Vaccinations

There are a number of different vaccines you could need before taking a trip to Saudi Arabia. Why not arrange a consultation with one of our expert nurses or pharmacists at your local Superdrug Health Clinic to discuss your individual vaccination requirements?

If you’re coming from within the UK, then you’ll need the vaccine against Meningococcal Meningitis ACWY. Anyone over the age of 2 making an Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage, or even anyone planning on a work trip to the Hajj area, will need to bring a certificate of vaccination. You’ll have to bring one that’s been issued no longer than 3-5 years ago (depending on which vaccine you received) and no less than 10 days before the flight. If you’re coming from the UK, you won’t even be able to get a visa for your trip unless you’ve got the certificate proving this while you apply.

Vaccination against meningococcal ACWY is also required for domestic pilgrims, residents of the two holy cities Mecca and Medina and any person who may be in contact with pilgrims including personnel in healthcare settings.

Coming from outside the UK? There are a few other vaccination requirements depending on where you’re coming from:

• Anyone coming from a country that the World Health Organisation (WHO) lists as having known infections of Yellow Fever must bring a valid yellow fever certificate with them when they come. Here’s a link to the list of countries at risk of yellow fever
• If you’re travelling from a country that has a high risk of the Polio virus (poliomyelitis), you’ll have to take a dose of the oral polio vaccine. This is for everyone, regardless of how old you are or which other vaccines you’ve had. Here’s the list of countries affected

As well as these, the Saudi Arabian MoH recommends that pilgrims have had all the usual immunisations you need for living in the UK (i.e. 5 doses of the tetanus vaccine and 5 doses of the polio vaccine). You’ll need to get a booster vaccine for polio if it’s been more than 10 years since your last one.

This is also a great chance to check that you are protected against measles, seasonal influenza and rubella. These are all diseases that are easy to prevent with the right vaccine. We’d recommend that you get the seasonal influenza vaccine if you’re planning on making Hajj, especially if you’re in a higher risk group for example, you’re under 5 or over 65, have chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes or are on immunosuppressive medication. Because there have been more cases of measles and rubella recently, you should be extra careful to make sure you’re immune to them before you go. You’ll know if you are or not by checking with your GP whether you’ve had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, or if you’ve had measles naturally before.

There is a low risk risk of malaria for pilgrims travelling around the South West region of Saudi Arabia. It’s higher in the winter months between September and January, but malaria is no longer considered a risk in higher-altitude cities in the Asir Province like Mecca, Medina, Jeddah and Taif. While in cities like Mecca and Medina pilgrims wouldn’t be at risk,  there is a low risk for the journey in-between. During the 6 hour trip, pilgrims pass through an area of low risk where antimalarial medicine may be required for higher risk travellers, such as infants, pregnant women, and those aged over 70 or with other medical problems. We’d recommend you talk about this with your travel nurse or pharmacist. If you’re travelling by daylight, in a car or bus with air-conditioning, the risk is a lot lower, but it’s still important to practice good insect and mosquito bite avoidance . Read our page on insect bite avoidance.

Zika and Dengue Fever

If you are travelling to Saudi Arabia from a country affected with the Zika virus and/or dengue fever, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health will require a certificate confirming that disinfection measures have been taken.

Travellers’ Diarrhoea

Unluckily, travellers’ diarrhoea is a common enough disease, and all travellers during Hajj will be at risk. This is especially true for those eating food prepared in contaminated or unsanitary conditions. Even if you’re on a low budget, try to avoid anything that seems too risky: steer clear of unpasteurised dairy products, unpeeled fruit and veg, and make sure you have clean, treated drinking water at all times. If you’re travelling over with young children, people over 65 or with a pre-existing medical condition, then they could become more seriously dehydrated and ill if they catch travellers’ diarrhoea. You can get antibiotics to treat travellers’ diarrhoea at a Superdrug Health Clinic.

Climate Related Health Risks

It probably won’t come as a surprise to you that, even in the winter months, Saudi Arabia will be very, very hot… In the coolest months it’s common for temperatures during the day to reach up to 30°C! Because it is so warm, all pilgrims are at risk of heat-related illnesses like sunstroke, sunburn, dehydration and heat stroke or exhaustion. Here are our top tips for staying healthy even in extreme climates during Hajj:

• Try to make your way there in good time before the pilgrimage so that you’ve got enough time to acclimatise to the hot weather.
• Rest-up whenever you can. Try to take regular pit-stops in shady areas along the way. Recently, the Saudi government has tried a lot harder to provide shady spots for pilgrims, but just in case you can’t find anywhere why not create your own with an umbrella or parasol?
• The Saudi Ministry has also decreed that all pilgrims can perform the Stoning the Devil at any point between sunrise and sunset. So if you’re really suffering from the heat, try to perform as many rituals as possible in the early evening or earlier in the morning when it’s cool.
• Wear plenty of suncream during the day and keep hydrated with safe drinking water.
• Because you’ll be walking most of the time, often across a hot sandy desert, you must bring sturdy walking sandals or good-quality shoes with you. This is especially important for anyone suffering from diabetes. Stow your shoes away in a small tote bag when you remove them for prayer.

It’s very hot most of the year in Saudi Arabia, but it can also get cold at night during the winter months, so make sure you’ve got suitable clothing and bedding with you for all year round.

Blood-Borne Viruses

For male pilgrims, one of the biggest health risks is the ritual head shaving that happens at the end of Hajj. Only go to the official shaving centres, and steer clear of any unlicensed barbers or shavers you’ll see on the roadside. Non-sterile or shared razor blades can pass on blood-borne infections like hepatitis B , C, and HIV. If you can’t be shaved with your own razor, only ever use a licensed barber who has already been tested for these infections and is required by law to use one blade per person.

Pilgrims should steer clear of wild and domestic animals as there may be a risk of rabies. If you are bitten or scratched, seek medical advice immediately. While the rabies vaccination is not required for travel to Saudi Arabia, it is recommended.

Because Hajj is the biggest and busiest pilgrimage of its kind in the world, it’s hardly surprising that accidents and injuries happen. It’s essential that you are up-to-date and fully covered for repatriation with a comprehensive travel and medical insurance certificate well before you set off.

Since the stampede of 2006, in which more than 365 pilgrims tragically died, the Saudi government has been working hard to make improvements to the buildings at Jamaraat and the bridges around it. Try to avoid the fullest crowds and take care while crossing busy roads during the pilgrimage.

It’s common for pilgrims to get minor leg or foot injuries after walking such a long way, so you must bring supportive footwear with you for the trip. If you have diabetes or bad circulation then you’ll need to take special care during the walk and wear the appropriate socks and footwear. If you do hurt yourself from walking and you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, then go get checked out by a medical professional as soon as you can.

Before you go

The best advice we can give you before undertaking Hajj is to see your GP or one of our expert nurses or pharmacists at a Superdrug Health Clinic. They’ll be able to assess you properly to make sure you’re up-to-date with all the above vaccines, and that you’re fit enough to make the pilgrimage itself. Have a general check-up before you go, especially if you’re over 65, pregnant, diabetic, have hypertension or an underlying heart, kidney or lung condition.

Your GP will also be able to make sure you’ve got enough of any prescription medicines for the whole trip. Ask them for a print-out of your prescription and a letter explaining that these are for private, medical use so that you don’t have any problems at the airport. Keep these medicines in their original packaging in your hand luggage so that they’re easy to access. If you’re due to have a period during Hajj, you might also want to talk to your GP about the types of hormonal therapy you can take in order to delay menstruation until afterwards to save the hassle and to make sure you’re eligible to perform the Tawaf al-Ziyarah and Tawaf al-Wida.

All pilgrims should aim to be active and mobile before they go because it will be too tiring if you’re not properly prepared. If you’ve got a chronic condition like diabetes, asthma or epilepsy, or you’re on an anticoagulant therapy with warfarin, then you must have these at a manageable level of control before you go.

Finally, every pilgrim should bring their own personal first aid kit with them so that they’re fully prepared for what the trip will throw at them. In a small bag, pack:

• Fabric plasters, bandages and dressings
• Scissors, safety pins and tape
• Antiseptic cream, antihistamine and sunburn lotion
• Rehydration salts
• Analgesics and paracetamol for pain
• Antidiarrhoeal tablets

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UAE: Flu vaccine certificate mandatory for all passengers to Jeddah, says Etihad

Certificate needs to be presented at check-in for inspection prior to flying from abu dhabi, says airline.

Nasreen Abdulla

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Published: Thu 28 Mar 2024, 10:17 AM

Last updated: Thu 28 Mar 2024, 11:20 PM

All passengers travelling from the UAE to Jeddah on Etihad Airways will need to have an influenza vaccination certificate to be able to travel. This has been confirmed by the airline in a statement to Khaleej Times .

This comes after UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced mandatory influenza vaccine for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah starting on March 26.

“In line with regulations applied by the health authorities in the United Arab Emirates, from Tuesday 26 March until further notice, all Etihad Airways guests travelling from Abu Dhabi to Jeddah will need to have an influenza vaccination certificate,” read the statement.

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“This certificate needs to be presented at check-in for inspection prior to flying in either paper hard copy or on an approved UAE digital health application.”

However, the statement specified that the ruling is not applicable on some people. “The regulation does not apply to guests in transit whose journey does not originate in the UAE, to residents of the KSA who hold proof of residency, or to those arriving into the UAE from Jeddah.”

Etihad Airways further stated that the safety and security of its passengers and crew remains their number one priority.

MoHAP clarified that individuals who have previously received the influenza vaccine within the past year are exempt from obtaining a new vaccination. Approved vaccination cards can be obtained through the Al Hosn application and presented at travel checkpoints.

Other airlines

In a document issued to travel agents, Air Arabia has stated that passengers traveling from the UAE to Saudi Arabia for Umrah are “recommended” to take their flu vaccination before embarking on their journey.

According to some travel agents, they have also received similar circulars from other airlines like Saudia.

A comment from Emirates Airlines is awaited.

Several passengers have been in a state of limbo since the news was announced on Tuesday. Dubai resident Shaziya is planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah next week via road. “I am not sure if this rule will affect us,” she said. “The rule specifies that the pilgrim should be vaccinated 10 days in advance. We don’t have ten days for our travel now. I am really confused what to do.”

Travel agents had also expressed their concern as to how the rules would be applied to those entering Saudi Arabia on multiple entry visa. “Several visitors to Saudi Arabia now opt for the multiple entry tourist visa," said an agent. "Many of them perform their Umrah on this visa. It is unclear how the mandatory vaccine will be enforced on such people."

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The steppes of Astrakhan

The largest of the dunes, Big Brother, ascends 65 feet above the landscape. Source: GeoPhoto

The steppes occupy an enormous territory on the map of Eurasia. These grasslands stretch from Manchuria to the Danube River Delta, and, in antiquity, they bore the name of the Great Steppe, across which the Great Silk Road once ran.

The steppes, now known as the Eurasian Steppe, were home to various nomads — Scythians, Huns, Mongols, and many others who gave history the Mongol Empire founder Genghis Khan and the great conqueror Tamerlane.

RIR traveled to Astrakhan Region, on a sliver of the Great Steppe, where the descendants of the ancient conquerors live to this day.

The steppes extend along the left bank of the Volga, through the entirety of the Astrakhan Region and up to the river’s outlet into the Caspian Sea. During the summer, temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), while the land consists of sun-scorched plains and occasional sand dunes stretching as far as the horizon.

The largest of the dunes, Big Brother, ascends 65 feet above the landscape.

The nomads were primarily concerned with raising cattle. While this is still the case in Astrakhan, the region’s people have settled into a more sedentary lifestyle. These isolated herding settlements, lacking electricity and running water, raise sheep, cattle, pedigree horses and camels.

Locals are justifiably proud of two-humped “steppe-ships,” or Astrakhan Bactrian camels — and some of the largest in the world, at that. They are used today as they were thousands of years ago, to move goods. The steppes are inhabited by the descendants of the nomads — Kalmyks, Kazakhs, Nogais and Turkmens.

The “Holy” Bogdo Mountain is the region’s only exception to the flat landscape. Source: GeoPhoto

Astrakhan is also populated by ethnic Russians and Cossacks, who make up the greater part of the population.

Travelers who find themselves in the steppes of Astrakhan may come across shepherds riding burly Kabardin horses and driving several thousand flocks of sheep from pasture to pasture. They may also see wild camels, bands of horses, herds of saiga antelopes and packs of steppe wolves.

Hunting season for the wolves is year-round, due to the considerable damage they do to local agriculture. They pose no threat to people, however, as the packs prefer to avoid humans.

The “Holy Mountain”…

The steppes of Astrakhan have their own great enigma: the “Holy” Bogdo Mountain, which is the region’s only exception to the flat landscape, with its characteristic red hue speckled with numerous caves, grottos, cracks and ridges.

How to get there

Astrakhan or Volgograd can be reached by train or plane (about $155), car (about $45), or  cruise ship .

Major cities have  auto rental agencies .

All-inclusive tours (like  this one ) neglect the steppes of Astrakhan more often than not. You can book a special tour of the steppes ( SagaTours  agency, for example, has experience organizing such tours for foreigners, and prices for visiting the steppes start at only $400).

According to ancient legend, two Buddhist pilgrims carried a stone on their shoulders from the Tian Shan (“Celestial Mountains” in Chinese) to Bogdo, where they dropped it. The stone forever became a place of worship for Buddhists from all over the world.

The scientific explanation for Bogdo Mountain’s appearance in the middle of so many miles of flatland is based on... salt. The mountain is a rock-salt monolith. Covered by a lighter layer of rock, the salt is gradually rising, pushing most of the ancient rock (some 250–300 million years old) up through the earth’s surface.

Bogdo is a true open-air museum; the first ancient amphibian and even shark fossils were discovered here in 1845, and the area surrounding the mountain is officially the Bogdo-Baskunchak Nature Preserve.

...And the “Dead Sea”

The second jaw-breaking name of the preserve is Baskunchak, so called for the salt lake located at the foot of the mountain. Today, as much as 80 percent of Russia’s salt production begins at this extraordinarily pure lake (99.8 percent sodium chloride), from which Russia mines up to 1.5 million tons of salt annually.

Baskunchak is the largest and most famous of all the world’s salt lakes, it is 3.7 miles deep and about 44 square miles in area. Source: GeoPhoto

Salt was mined here as far back as during the days of the Great Silk Road.   In the 20 th  century, the salt was hauled by camels; today, it is transported along the Baskunchak Railroad, which was built explicitly for that purpose.

Local residents believe that Buddha once came to the mountain to mourn the pilgrims who had dropped the sacred stone there, and his tears formed the lake at the foot of the mountain.  

Baskunchak salt has therapeutic properties: There is a health resort on the lake shore. People come here to swim in the lake and breathe in the bromine- and phytoncide-rich air.

Please note...!

Keep in mind: To get to Bogdo Mountain and Baskunchak, you will need to register for authorization for travel to the Russian-Kazakh border zone. It is extremely difficult for foreigners to do so on their own; we suggest using the services of a travel agent. The procedure will still take about two months, so plan your visit to the steppe in advance.

Salt deposits lie 3.7 miles deep in the lake, which is known as the “second Dead Sea” for its therapeutic properties and its ability to keep even the most well-fed tourists in Russia afloat on the water’s surface.

A missile launch site  

The first ballistic missile tested in the Soviet Union — the famous captured German V-2 — was launched from the Kapustin Yar launch site. Not long thereafter, this desert witnessed satellite launches, atomic bomb explosions, and a host of planes and helicopters bombarding its sandy plains with rockets and bombs.

Not far from Kapustin Yar is the closed city of Znamensk (formerly Kapustin Yar-1). Lovers of the extreme can book a special tour of the former Soviet test site with local tour operators.

The Horde’s capital

Seven centuries before the emergence of tanks, Ghenghis Khan’s grandson, Batu Khan, returned in 1242 from his Western campaign. Having conquered half of Europe, he stayed on the Volga, where he had founded the Golden Horde’s capital, Sarai-Batu, 50 miles north of modern-day Astrakhan.

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Waking the ‘Russian Switzerland’

In 1395, the city fell to the onslaught of the great Central Asian conqueror Tamerlane. It remained buried underground until the 18 th  century, when scholars began to study the unique site, which we also suggest visiting.

Built for the 2012 film, “The Horde,” scenery that re-creates the atmosphere of the ancient capital was never dismantled, at the request of local residents. The stage-prop  Sarai-Batu  continues to delight tourists’ eyes.  

What to bring back from Astrakhan

With trophy catfish, carp, asps and perch abounding, the banks of the Volga are a favorite destination for anglers from all over Russia. If you do not manage to go fishing, buying smoked and fresh fish from the locals is a must. Astrakhan is also famous for its  watermelons , whose in-season (August–September) price falls to as little as four rubles (around $.12) per kilogram.

You can watch the  lotuses blooming  in the Volga Delta as well.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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