New health requirements for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims

Starting in February 2025, pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj will be required to present a certificate of vaccination against meningitis. This new requirement was announced by the Saudi Ministry of Health.

The ministry stated that the measure is being introduced to ensure the health and safety of visitors and pilgrims.

“The Kingdom places great emphasis on healthcare and is committed to providing high-quality medical services to citizens, residents, visitors, and pilgrims,” the report noted.

According to the new regulations, all citizens aged 1 and older traveling from any country must show proof of meningitis vaccination. The Saudi Ministry of Health has outlined the following approved vaccines:

- MenACWY polysaccharide vaccine: Must be received within the past three years and at least 10 days before entering Saudi Arabia.
- MenACWY conjugated vaccine: Must have been administered within the past five years and at least 10 days prior to arrival.

Additionally, a list of required documents for organizing and conducting Umrah events had been previously published.