Registered Yellow Fever Centre
Vaccines for Umrah and Hajj
Saudi Arabia sets its own health rules for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and they can change from year to year. The most important is proof of meningitis ACWY vaccination, which you need for your visa. We can give the vaccine and complete your record. You can book an appointment online.
Meningitis ACWY: the visa requirement
TravelHealthPro states that proof of vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (covering groups A, C, W and Y) is a visa requirement for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and for seasonal workers. Saudi authorities have indicated this applies to everyone aged 1 year or older. The key rules are:
The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before you arrive in the Hajj and Umrah areas.
A conjugate ACWY vaccine counts for 5 years. This is the type recommended and the one used in the UK.
A polysaccharide ACWY vaccine counts for 3 years. It is no longer available in the UK.
If your record does not say which type you had, it is treated as valid for 3 years.
Your record must show your full name and the vaccine name and type, and be completed and stamped by the doctor, nurse or pharmacist who gave it.
Carry your vaccination record with you, as it may be inspected when you arrive.
The vaccine also protects you. Cases of meningococcal disease have been reported in pilgrims returning from Hajj and Umrah, including UK pilgrims in 2024 and 2025. It does not cover every cause of meningitis. See our meningitis ACWY vaccine page. We’ll check stock when you book so it’s ready for your appointment.
Check this year’s rules
The Saudi Ministry of Health publishes separate health requirements for Hajj and for Umrah each Islamic year. When we last checked, TravelHealthPro noted that full Umrah requirements for 1447H (2026) were still to be published, so always check the latest Ministry of Health guidance and your travel agent’s instructions before you go.
Polio and yellow fever: only for some arrivals
Polio: pilgrims and seasonal workers arriving from a country where poliovirus is circulating need proof of at least one dose of polio vaccine given between 4 weeks and 12 months before entering Saudi Arabia. This does not apply if you fly directly from the UK.
Yellow fever: there is no yellow fever risk in Saudi Arabia, but travellers over 9 months old arriving from a yellow fever risk country need a certificate. It becomes valid 10 days after vaccination and lasts for life. This does not apply if you fly directly from the UK. We are a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, so we can help if your route needs it. See our yellow fever vaccine page.
Flu, COVID-19 and other vaccines
Seasonal flu: Saudi Arabia recommends flu vaccination before Hajj. Have it on the NHS if eligible, or privately at a pharmacy.
COVID-19: pilgrims aged 12 and over should follow Saudi guidance on COVID-19 vaccination.
Routine vaccines: make sure you are up to date with MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. See our tetanus page.
Hepatitis B: worth considering because of the risk from unlicensed barbers during head shaving. Insist on a new blade, or take your own disposable razor. See our hepatitis A and B page.
Hepatitis A, typhoid and rabies: recommended for some travellers depending on how long you stay and what you do. Rabies vaccination does not replace urgent medical care after an animal bite or scratch.
Heat, crowds and MERS
Heat: temperatures can be over 30°C even in winter. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid direct sun during rituals where you can, use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours and carry an umbrella for shade. Wear good footwear, as the ground gets very hot. Ask your doctor about medicines such as diuretics.
Crowds and injuries: stampedes and road accidents are a risk, especially during the stoning ritual, so avoid peak times. Foot injuries are common. Older or frail pilgrims may wish to appoint a proxy for some rites.
MERS: Middle East respiratory syndrome has been reported in Saudi Arabia and there is no vaccine. Avoid camels and raw camel milk or meat, wash your hands often and choose food that is peeled or thoroughly cooked. If you develop fever, cough or breathlessness within 14 days of travel, seek medical advice and say where you have been.
Food and water: follow good food and water hygiene and pack oral rehydration salts.
Saudi Arabia advises that some people should not attend, including those in the last three months of pregnancy or with a high-risk pregnancy. Tell us if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, as the Green Book advises avoiding live vaccines in these groups.
Before you go
A small travel health kit saves a lot of hassle if you feel unwell abroad. It is worth packing:
Any regular medicines in your hand luggage, with a copy of your prescription
Insect repellent and high factor sun cream
Oral rehydration sachets and simple pain relief
Plasters, antiseptic and hand sanitiser
Make sure your travel insurance covers medical treatment and repatriation. Save the local emergency numbers in your phone before you leave; the FCDO travel advice for Saudi Arabia lists them along with current safety information.
When to book
Ideally book 6 to 8 weeks before you travel. TravelHealthPro advises seeking advice at least four to six weeks before travel, and the meningitis ACWY vaccine must be given at least 10 days before you arrive. If you are leaving soon, contact us straight away. See also our Middle East advice.
Book your Umrah or Hajj vaccines
Every appointment is with one of our pharmacists. We check your whole itinerary against current UK guidance and go through every vaccine and travel medicine you might need in one visit.
We have two branches, and both are registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres. Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy, 56 Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 2AS (01223 354383), is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Book at Mill Road online. Cambridge Travel Clinic at Waterbeach Pharmacy, 5 Greenside, Waterbeach, Cambridge CB25 9HW (01223 564422), is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm and 1:30pm to 5:45pm. Book at Waterbeach online.
We see travellers from Cambridge, Cherry Hinton, Trumpington, Chesterton, Histon, Milton, Cottenham, Waterbeach and nearby villages. Our current fees are on the pricing page. You can also read about the meningitis ACWY vaccine and other Middle East destinations.
We’re happy to talk through your plans, however close your departure.