Travel Vaccinations for Saudi Arabia

Meningococcal ACWY Certificate

All Hajj and Umrah pilgrims must have a valid meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate.

The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

A GPhC-registered pharmacy can provide vaccination and issue a written record confirming:

• Patient details
  
• Vaccine name and type (conjugate)
  
• Batch number
  
• Date of administration
  

This written documentation is generally accepted for visa purposes.

Heat Illness During Hajj

Hajj takes place during periods of extreme heat, with daytime temperatures in Makkah and Madinah frequently exceeding 40°C.

Heat-related illness is a major risk.

Preventative advice includes:

• Drink water regularly and stay hydrated
  
• Rest in shaded or cooled areas
  
• Avoid prolonged exertion in peak heat
  
• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing
  

Early signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headache, muscle cramps and dark urine.

Pilgrims with chronic health conditions or older travellers should complete a pre-travel medical review before departure.

MERS-CoV (Camel Exposure)

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is present in dromedary camels in the region.

To reduce risk:

• Avoid all contact with camels
  
• Do not consume raw or unpasteurised camel milk
  
• Avoid undercooked camel meat
  
• Maintain strict hand hygiene

Crowd Safety and Respiratory Infections

Hajj and Umrah involve large crowds, increasing the spread of respiratory infections such as influenza and COVID-19.

Travellers are advised to:

• Practise regular hand hygiene
  
• Consider face coverings in crowded indoor areas
  
• Agree meeting points with group members
  
• Carry a medication list in original packaging
  

Older pilgrims and those with heart, lung, kidney or diabetes conditions should take additional precautions and carry medical summaries.

Umrah Notes

Umrah can be performed year-round and often coincides with UK school holidays. The same vaccination requirement applies: meningococcal ACWY must be administered at least 10 days before arrival for visa compliance.

Routine UK Vaccines to Check

Before travel, ensure routine immunisations are up to date:

• Td/IPV (tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster)
  
• MMR (two documented doses)

When to Book

We recommend booking your Hajj or Umrah vaccination appointment four to eight weeks before travel.

Meningococcal ACWY vaccination must be completed at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

What We Can Supply

Vaccines provided during consultation are subject to current Patient Group Direction (PGD) coverage and stock availability at the time of your appointment.

During your visit we can:

• Provide meningococcal ACWY vaccination
  
• Issue compliant travel vaccination records
  
• Review routine immunisations
  
• Offer personalised travel health advice
  
• Refer to an Independent Prescriber where required
  

Our pharmacist-led travel clinic supports pilgrims from Rochdale, Bury, Manchester and across Greater Manchester with Hajj and Umrah vaccinations, including Saudi visa-compliant meningitis ACWY certificates.

Local Community Note

We understand Hajj and Umrah are meaningful obligations for our patients in Rochdale, Bury, Manchester and across the North West. Pre-travel vaccinations are straightforward whether you book individually or as a family group.