Hajj and Umrah bring millions of pilgrims from all over the world together in a densely crowded environment. With people sharing accommodation, transport, rituals and close physical contact, the risk of infections — respiratory, foodborne and vaccine-preventable — increases significantly.
Many pilgrims hear conflicting information about visa rules, required vaccines and what is “recommended but not mandatory.” Our clinic provides clear, evidence-based guidance to protect both you and those travelling with you.
For the latest official Saudi guidance, refer to NaTHNaC:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/195/saudi-arabia
Hajj is one of the world’s largest mass gatherings. This environment increases risk because:
Respiratory infections spread rapidly
Pilgrims come from countries with different disease patterns
Long days, heat and physical exertion weaken immunity
Shared accommodation increases close-contact transmission
Dehydration and exhaustion make illness more severe
Vaccination isn’t just about meeting visa requirements — it plays a key role in:
Protecting yourself
Reducing spread within your group
Preventing outbreaks in the holy sites
Protecting your family when you return home
Required for visa issuance for ALL pilgrims aged 2 years and above.
We use MenQuadfi® — a conjugate ACWY vaccine.
Valid from 10 days after vaccination
Valid for 5 years (for conjugate ACWY vaccines such as MenQuadfi)
Accepted by Saudi authorities for Hajj, Umrah and work visas
You will receive the official vaccine certificate during your appointment.
The Yellow Fever vaccine is not mandatory for all pilgrims — only for those:
Travelling from or transiting (>12 hours) through Yellow Fever risk countries
Departing from regions where Yellow Fever transmission is present
If required, Saudi Arabia will not issue a visa without a valid certificate.
Northfields Travel Clinic (via Bramley Pharmacy) is a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, able to issue the official ICVP certificate.
These are not mandatory but highly recommended due to high transmission risk in mass gatherings.
Extremely important — flu spreads rapidly during Hajj. Even healthy adults can become severely unwell.
Still recommended — respiratory viruses spread quickly in crowded environments.
Due to food hygiene issues, close contact, and the risk of medical/dental care abroad.
Particularly if visiting family, eating street food or travelling beyond the main pilgrimage routes.
Recommended if your last tetanus booster was more than 10 years ago.
Pilgrimage is physically intense. To reduce illness and stay well:
Saudi Arabia is extremely hot, even outside summer months.
You should:
Drink water frequently (even if not thirsty)
Use ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) daily to replace electrolytes
Carry rehydration sachets for emergencies
Avoid sugary drinks — they worsen dehydration
Avoid walking long distances in midday heat
We recommend taking:
ORS / Dioralyte®
Paracetamol for fever and pain
Ibuprofen (if suitable)
Antihistamines for allergies
Anti-diarrhoeal medication (e.g., loperamide)
Antacid tablets for indigestion
Oral sore throat remedies
Nasal spray to reduce congestion
Plasters & basic first aid kit
Your regular prescription medicines in original packaging
Wear a mask during peak crowds
Wash hands frequently or use sanitiser
Avoid touching your face
Keep a small hand towel to cover your mouth/nose in dusty areas
You will be walking long distances daily:
Wear cushioned footwear
Avoid new shoes
Treat blisters early
Keep feet moisturised to prevent cracks
Use an umbrella or shade whenever possible
Apply sunscreen frequently
Rest often — exhaustion increases illness risk
Northfields Travel Clinic provides essential vaccinations for Hajj and Umrah in Ealing:
Meningococcal ACWY (MenQuadfi®) – £45
Certificate valid for 5 years
Yellow Fever (Stamaril®) – £69
If indicated, certificate valid for life
All other recommended travel vaccines are also available on request.
Appointments take place at:
Bramley Pharmacy, 261 Northfield Avenue, Ealing, W5
Use our online booking widget to schedule your vaccination appointment.
Protect yourself, protect others, and complete your pilgrimage in good health and peace of mind.
No. MenQuadfi® is valid for 5 years. If your certificate expires, you will need a new dose.
Yes — from age 2 and above.
Only if travelling from a Yellow Fever risk country or via a high-risk transit.
Flu, COVID-19, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid and a Tetanus booster.
Yes — walking distances can exceed 20–25 km per day. Prepare physically and medically.
NaTHNaC – Saudi Arabia
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/195/saudi-arabia