Hajj and Umrah vaccinations: required and recommended
Saudi Arabia applies a vaccination requirement to all pilgrims. In addition, there are vaccinations we recommend because of the crowds, the climate and food and drink conditions along the way.
Last updated: 2026-09-09
Short answer
Meningococcal ACWY is required for entry to Saudi Arabia, from age 1 and given at least ten days before arrival, recorded in an international vaccination certificate. Hepatitis A, a DTP booster and, depending on your situation, influenza and COVID-19 are also recommended.
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
Required: meningococcal ACWY from age 1
The Saudi Ministry of Health requires every pilgrim aged one year and older to hold valid proof of the quadrivalent meningococcal ACWY vaccination. The dose must be given at least ten days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Validity depends on the vaccine type: a conjugate vaccine (ACWY, or the pentavalent ACWYX) is valid for five years, a polysaccharide vaccine for three. If the type is not stated on your certificate, Saudi Arabia counts three years. Always ask for the vaccine name and date to be entered legibly.
Polio and yellow fever: only for certain countries
- Polio: if you travel from or via a country where poliovirus circulates, at least one dose of bOPV or IPV is required, given between four weeks and twelve months before arrival.
- Yellow fever: required from nine months of age if you come from a country with transmission risk. The certificate is valid from ten days after the injection and then for life.
- If you travel directly from the Netherlands, polio and yellow fever usually do not apply. We check your route during the consultation.
Recommended by Saudi Arabia and by us
- Influenza: the Saudi ministry advises the flu shot at least ten days before arrival, especially for pregnant women, children under five, older pilgrims and people with a chronic condition or reduced immunity.
- COVID-19: Saudi Arabia recommends an up-to-date dose. Requirements change per season; we check the current situation at your consultation.
- Hepatitis A: because of food and drink in large group kitchens and en route.
- DTP: if your last dose was more than ten years ago.
Taking your proof with you
Your vaccinations are recorded in the international vaccination certificate, with vaccine name, date, batch number and stamp. Nusuk asks for this proof during the application and border control may ask for it. Carry the booklet alongside your passport and keep a photo on your phone.
At DKliniek in Amsterdam
- A choice between a male or female practitioner
- Available in the evening and at weekends too
- Official international vaccination certificate, with vaccine type and date filled in
- Also possible for groups and travel organisations
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
Arrange your vaccinations in time
Meningococcal ACWY is required for entry to Saudi Arabia and must be given at least ten days before arrival. We also advise you on DTP, hepatitis A and your certificate.
- 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
Staying healthy during Hajj
Practical advice for Hajj: coping with heat and dehydration, respiratory complaints in crowds, foot care, bringing medication and when to seek help.
When is Hajj? Dates and the Islamic calendar
When does Hajj fall and why does the date shift each year? An explanation of Dhul Hijjah, the lunar calendar and how to plan your vaccinations in time.
What is Hajj (Hadj)?
A clear explanation of Hajj, also written as Hadj: its meaning, who is obliged to perform it and how it differs from Umrah.