Saudi Arabia confirmed updated Hajj vaccine rules for 2026 pilgrims travelling to Makkah and other holy sites this year.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has announced updated Hajj vaccine requirements for pilgrims travelling to the holy sites during the 2026 pilgrimage season, with meningitis vaccination remaining mandatory for all visitors.
Authorities said all Hajj pilgrims must carry a valid quadrivalent ACYW meningitis vaccination certificate issued at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. Additional vaccination requirements may also apply depending on the traveller’s country of origin, including polio, yellow fever and COVID-19 vaccinations.
The Hajj vaccine rules are introduced every year to protect millions of pilgrims gathering from around the world during one of the largest annual religious events globally. Health authorities use vaccination programmes to reduce the spread of infectious diseases in crowded environments where people from different countries interact closely over several days.
Saudi health officials are also strongly recommending several additional vaccines for Hajj travellers, including seasonal influenza, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox vaccines.
Medical experts say vaccinations are especially important during Hajj due to the large number of international visitors, physical exhaustion, changing weather conditions and close contact between pilgrims. Vaccines also help protect vulnerable individuals who may not be able to receive immunisation themselves because of medical conditions.
Health authorities have advised pilgrims to complete all vaccinations early, carry official certificates during travel and follow public health guidance throughout the pilgrimage period.
Travel agencies across the UAE and other Gulf countries have also started reminding pilgrims to review the latest Hajj vaccine rules before finalising travel arrangements.
Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen healthcare services and preventive measures during Hajj every year to ensure safer pilgrimage conditions for millions of worshippers arriving from across the world.
Key Saudi Ministry of Health Requirements
- Timing: The vaccine must be administered between 10 days and 5 years before arrival.
- Vaccine Type: The certificate must clearly state the quadrivalent (ACYW) strain.
- Documentation: Pilgrims must present an official International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), also known as the “Yellow Card.”
Other Mandatory Health Requirements
- Polio: Pilgrims from countries with active polio transmission must provide proof of vaccination received 12 months to 4 weeks prior to arrival.
- Yellow Fever: Proof of vaccination is mandatory if arriving from countries with active yellow fever transmission.
- Recommended Vaccines: Seasonal influenza and updated COVID-19 vaccinations are strongly advised for all international pilgrims.
