Hajj with a chronic condition
Diabetes, heart complaints, asthma, COPD, kidney disease or blood thinners usually do not rule out Hajj. The journey does require more preparation than average: the days are long, it is hot and the distances are large.
Last updated: 2026-09-09
Short answer
With a chronic condition you can usually perform Hajj, provided you prepare well in advance: medication for the whole trip plus a reserve, an English medication list, alignment with your own specialist and an adjusted vaccination schedule. Start at least three months before departure.
Planning your vaccination
- Meningococcal ACWY, required for Saudi Arabia
- International vaccination certificate straight away
- Evening and weekend appointments, every day 10:00 to 22:00
Start in good time
- Discuss your plans with your own doctor or specialist at least three months before departure
- Schedule the travel consultation early enough for a vaccination series to fit
- Ask your pharmacy for an up-to-date medication overview in English
- Bring a recent result or letter from your specialist if you have multiple conditions
Diabetes
- Bring twice as much insulin, test strips and needles as you expect to need
- Insulin belongs in hand luggage and cool: use a cool bag with cooling elements
- The time difference with Saudi Arabia is small, but your daily rhythm changes a lot. Discuss in advance how to adjust your doses
- Check your feet daily: walking a lot in sandals easily causes small wounds
- Carry glucose tablets for a hypo while on the move
Heart, blood vessels and blood thinners
- Heat and exertion increase the strain on the heart: plan rest moments
- Bring medication in its original packaging and keep to your dosing schedule
- With blood thinners: bring your dosing card or INR details
- Long flights increase thrombosis risk: move regularly and drink enough water
Asthma, COPD and airways
- Bring duplicate maintenance and emergency medication
- Dust and dry air can trigger complaints: a mask in busy spaces helps
- Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination are extra relevant with lung complaints: discuss this at the consultation
Kidney dialysis
Dialysis during Hajj requires planning far in advance. Dialysis centres in Mecca and Medina work with limited capacity during the Hajj season. Arrange treatment slots through your own dialysis centre and your travel organiser before finalising a package.
Vaccinations with reduced immunity
If you take medication that suppresses your immune system, different rules apply to live vaccines and an adjusted schedule may be needed. Always mention this at the travel consultation so the practitioner can take it into account.
Information about registration and packages is based on the official Nusuk Hajj platform of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Registration and payment take place there only; DKliniek provides the medical preparation.
Official sources
- hajj.nusuk.sa — Official registration and packages
- haj.gov.sa — Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
- visa.mofa.gov.sa — Saudi visa information
- lcr.nl — Dutch national travel health centre
- who.int — World Health Organization
Discuss your situation with a practitioner
With pregnancy, a chronic condition or medication, we look at what is safe for you before vaccinating. Book an appointment or call us; we will go through it together.
- Meningococcal ACWY, required for Saudi Arabia
- International vaccination certificate straight away
- Evening and weekend appointments, every day 10:00 to 22:00
- Groups and families vaccinated in one session
Frequently asked questions
Continue reading
Bringing medication to Saudi Arabia
Which rules apply to medication for Hajj: quantities, original packaging, English medication list, a statement for restricted medicines and what to pack in your travel kit.
Heat during Hajj
How to protect yourself against heat during Hajj in Mecca, Mina and at Arafat: drinking, cooling, clothing, warning signs and what to do in case of heat stroke.
Hajj and Umrah vaccinations: required and recommended
Which vaccinations do you need for Hajj or Umrah, when should you arrange them and what proof do you take along? Meningococcal ACWY is required for entry to Saudi Arabia.