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Put Your Health First
Hajj is a physically demanding journey that involves walking long distances, spending extended periods outdoors, changes in climate and routine, and large gatherings of people. Preparing your health before leaving South Africa can help you manage the physical demands of Hajj and reduce the risk of illness.
All pilgrims are encouraged to arrange a pre-travel medical consultation before departure. This is particularly important for elderly pilgrims, pregnant women, children, and anyone living with a chronic medical condition.
Emergency Contacts in Saudi Arabia
- Call Center Services for Pilgrims: 937
- Red Crescent: 977 (to be confirmed)
- Police: 999 / 911
- Unified Number: 00966920002814
- Email: care@haj.gov.sa
Vaccinations for Hajj
Meningococcal (Meningitis) ACWY
The quadrivalent meningococcal ACWY vaccine is a mandatory requirement for pilgrims travelling to Hajj.
Pilgrims should carry a valid vaccination certificate as proof of vaccination. The vaccine must generally be administered at least 10 days before arrival in the Hajj areas.
Depending on the vaccine used, the certificate may have a validity period prescribed by Saudi health authorities.
Important: Ensure that your vaccination is recorded correctly on your vaccination certificate before leaving South Africa.
Yellow Fever
A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever transmission occurs.
For pilgrims travelling directly from South Africa, requirements may differ depending on their travel itinerary and any transit countries visited. If you are travelling through a country where yellow fever is present, confirm the requirements with your travel clinic before departure.
Recommended Vaccinations
Seasonal Influenza
The seasonal flu vaccine is strongly recommended for Hajj pilgrims.
Hajj involves large international gatherings, making respiratory infections more likely. South African pilgrims should consider receiving the appropriate seasonal influenza vaccine before departure, preferably after consulting a travel clinic or healthcare professional.
This is particularly important for:
- Older pilgrims
- Pregnant women
- Children
- People living with chronic illnesses
- People with weakened immune systems
Because South Africa and Saudi Arabia may use vaccines formulated for different influenza seasons, discuss the appropriate vaccine with your healthcare provider before travelling.
COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccination requirements and recommendations may change according to the Saudi authorities’ requirements for each Hajj season.
Pilgrims should ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date and check the current Hajj health requirements before departure from South Africa.
