Saudi Arabia has advised domestic pilgrims to ensure they have completed all necessary vaccinations ahead of the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage to protect the health of all participants. Both Saudi citizens and foreign residents registered for the pilgrimage in and around Mecca must have received COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and meningitis vaccinations within the last five years.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has stated that these vaccinations are available at primary healthcare centers, and registration of the vaccinations in the Health Ministry’s Sehaty app is mandatory before arrival in Mecca.
Overseas pilgrims must also receive the Neisseria meningitidis vaccine at least 10 days before arrival, confirmed by a certificate from their home countries. Additionally, they are required to be vaccinated against polio, COVID-19, and seasonal flu.
In February, Saudi Arabia initiated e-registration for its citizens and Muslim expatriates wishing to perform Hajj. The Ministry of Hajj introduced four pilgrimage packages, priced from SR4,099 to SR13,265, with payment options in three installments.
Hajj rites are expected to commence on June 14, contingent on the new moon sighting. More than 2 million Muslims from around the world are expected to participate in this year’s Hajj, which is one of Islam’s five obligatory duties for those who can physically and financially afford it.