What is Hajj (Hadj)?
Hajj, also written as Hadj, is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and one of the five pillars of Islam. This page explains what Hajj involves, who is obliged to perform it and how it differs from Umrah.
Last updated: 2026-09-09
Short answer
Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and one of the five pillars of Islam. It is obligatory once in a lifetime for every adult Muslim able to perform it physically and financially. Saudi Arabia requires valid proof of meningococcal ACWY for entry.
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
The meaning of Hajj
Hajj takes place in Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. Over several days, pilgrims from around the world perform the same rites in the same places, in simple clothing and without distinction of background or wealth.
For many people the journey is the highlight of their life. That makes careful preparation important: administratively through the official platform, and medically with the right vaccinations and travel advice.
Who is obliged to perform Hajj?
Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able to make the journey without endangering the family's livelihood.
- Adult and of sound mind
- Physically able to complete the rites
- Financially able, including costs left at home
- The journey must be able to take place safely
The difference between Hajj and Umrah
- Hajj can only be performed during a fixed period of the year; Umrah can be performed all year round.
- Hajj includes additional rites outside Mecca, such as Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina.
- Hajj is obligatory once; Umrah is strongly recommended but not obligatory.
- Hajj lasts longer and is physically more demanding; Umrah can be completed within a few hours.
Medically there is little difference
Saudi Arabia applies the same entry requirement to both journeys: valid proof of the meningococcal ACWY vaccination. The recommended vaccinations, such as hepatitis A and a DTP booster, are also the same for Hajj and Umrah.
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
The rites of Hajj, day by day
Overview of the rites of Hajj day by day: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, Arafat, Muzdalifah, Mina, the stoning, the sacrifice and the farewell Tawaf.
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.
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.