The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced the vaccination requirements for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for the 1446 AH (2025) Hajj season. This initiative aligns with the ministry’s mission to safeguard the health and safety of pilgrims. It also aims to prevent the spread of infectious diseases during the annual pilgrimage.
This remains mandatory for Hajj, Umrah, and visitors to the Holy Mosques. The ministry has also made the COVID-19 vaccine compulsory for individuals at high risk. These include those over 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions such as kidney failure, respiratory and heart diseases, hereditary blood disorders, immunodeficiencies, and neurological disorders.
In addition, the ministry recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all adults over 18, regardless of risk level. Acceptable proof of immunization includes a single dose of the updated 2024–2025 vaccine. It also includes completion of the primary vaccine series between 2021 and 2023, or recent recovery from a confirmed COVID-19 infection in 2024.
Additional optional vaccines include pneumococcal immunization for those 65 and older. It is also recommended for adults aged 18 to 64 with chronic illnesses or risk factors. These factors include diabetes, smoking, respiratory disease, cardiovascular conditions, and immunodeficiencies. The ministry also advises people aged 60 and above to consider receiving the RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine.
All required and recommended vaccines are available at primary healthcare centres across the country. The ministry urges pilgrims to complete their vaccinations at least 10 days before travelling to Saudi Arabia. This ensures effective protection.
Dr Hamad Eid Al-Rumaihi, Director of the Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control Department, emphasized the importance of timely vaccination. He advised all pilgrims, especially those with chronic illnesses, to consult with their doctors early. They should also prepare enough medication for the entire pilgrimage.
“Our goal is to support healthy, safe pilgrimages by reducing the spread of infectious diseases,” he stated. “Overcrowding during Hajj raises health risks. Prevention is key.”
This focus on ensuring safe and healthy Hajj journeys is also part of the National Health Strategy 2024–2030. This strategy prioritizes proactive disease prevention and improving population health.
In partnership with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and the Qatar Red Crescent, the MoPH has also released a detailed Pilgrim’s Health Guide. The guide includes essential health instructions to follow before, during, and after Hajj.
To access the guide or ask questions, pilgrims can visit the MoPH website or call the unified health sector hotline at 16000.
