Staying healthy during Hajj
Hajj is physically demanding: a lot of walking, high temperatures and days spent in large crowds. A few simple measures prevent the complaints travellers report most often.
Last updated: 2026-09-09
Short answer
Staying healthy during Hajj comes down to fluids and salts, shade during the hottest hours, hand hygiene against respiratory infections, good foot care and enough of your own medication in its original packaging.
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
Heat and dehydration
- Drink regularly, even when you are not thirsty
- Seek shade during the hottest hours
- Use an umbrella or cap and sunscreen
- Watch for dizziness, headache and reduced urination: signs of dehydration
Airways in the crowds
Coughs and colds are common because of crowding and dry air. Washing your hands, wearing a mask in very busy spaces and getting enough rest reduce the risk.
Feet and skin
- Break in your sandals or slippers at home first
- Bring blister plasters
- Watch for small wounds on your feet, especially with diabetes
Bringing medication
- Bring enough for the whole trip plus a reserve
- Keep medicines in their original packaging in your hand luggage
- Bring a medicine passport or an English list
- Request a declaration where medicines are subject to special rules
When to seek help
Seek medical help on site for persistent fever, confusion, breathlessness, severe diarrhoea or a wound that does not heal. Medical posts are available at the holy sites.
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
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.
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What makes up the price of a Hajj package and why do offers differ so much? An explanation of duration, hotel location, season and additional costs.