Travel vaccinations for Saudi Arabia

Hajj and Umrah vaccine requirements

Meningitis ACWY vaccination is a legal requirement for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Saudi Arabia will not issue a visa without proof of vaccination given within the last 5 years and at least 10 days before arrival. We are a registered vaccination centre and issue the certificate on the same day.

Beyond the legal requirement, hepatitis A, typhoid, seasonal flu, and a COVID-19 booster are all strongly recommended given the crowded conditions and shared food sources during pilgrimage.

MERS and respiratory precautions

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is caused by a coronavirus found in camels. Cases are rare but serious. Avoid camel markets, camel rides, and unpasteurised camel milk. In crowded areas of Hajj, face masks and frequent hand washing reduce the risk of all respiratory infections.

Heat and crowd safety

Summer Hajj temperatures can exceed 50C at ground level. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are genuine medical emergencies. Drink at least 3 litres of water daily, wear light clothing, and rest during peak afternoon heat.

Travelling with elderly relatives

Hajj is physically demanding. Elderly pilgrims should have a pre-travel health check, ensure all medications are packed in hand luggage with a doctor’s letter, and consider wheelchair services for rituals involving long walks.

What to pack from the pharmacy

We’ll prepare a Hajj health kit: rehydration sachets, SPF 50+, blister plasters, antihistamines, face masks, hand sanitiser, and any regular medications with a covering letter. All available at 139 New Road.

Getting the meningitis ACWY certificate for your Hajj or Umrah visa

Saudi Arabia requires proof of quadrivalent meningococcal ACWY vaccination from every pilgrim aged one and over. The rule is specific in two ways that trip people up: the dose must have been given at least ten days before arrival, and it must be within the last five years for the conjugate vaccine. A childhood MenC jab or a teenage MenACWY given more than five years ago does not satisfy it.

We give the vaccine and issue the certificate in the same appointment, so you leave with the document your visa application needs rather than waiting on a letter. Bring photo identification and, if you have it, any record of previous meningitis vaccination, because it saves us guessing at what you have already had.

Beyond the legal requirement, the conditions of pilgrimage do the rest of the arguing: very large crowds, shared accommodation, shared food and a lot of hours in the heat. Seasonal flu vaccination and an up to date COVID-19 booster are strongly advised, hepatitis A and typhoid are sensible for the food and water exposure, and a tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster is worth checking while you are with us.

Booking a Hajj and Umrah travel clinic near you in Medway

We are at 139 New Road in Chatham, two minutes from Chatham railway station, and we vaccinate pilgrims from across Medway and north Kent: Gillingham, Rochester, Strood, Rainham, Sittingbourne and Maidstone. You do not need to be registered with a local GP, and there is no wait for a routine appointment.

Group bookings are common and welcome. If your family or your mosque is travelling together we can vaccinate the whole group in one visit and issue every certificate the same day, which is far simpler than each person chasing a separate appointment while a visa application waits. Call 01634 404142 and tell us how many are travelling and we will set aside the time.