Hajj 1446H and Umrah update: 2025

Information for pilgrims planning to perform Hajj or Umrah in 2025

Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the world. This year, Hajj 1446H is due to start in June.

Umrah is a shorter, non-compulsory pilgrimage for Muslims which can be undertaken independently at any time of the year.

Our Hajj and Umrah factsheet has been reviewed and updated with the up to date requirements and recommendations for pilgrims preparing for travel to KSA in 2025.

Due to the large crowds, mass gatherings such as Hajj and Umrah are associated with unique health risks [1].

Travellers aged over one year arriving for Umrah and all travellers arriving for Hajj or for seasonal work in Hajj zones must have proof of vaccination with a quadrivalent (ACWY) meningococcal vaccine received at least 10 days prior to the planned arrival to Hajj and Umrah areas. The ACWY vaccinations available in the UK are conjugate vaccines, and details of the vaccine name and type (i.e. conjugate vaccine) should be recorded in a patient held vaccine record for five-year validity. Large outbreaks of meningococcal disease, including meningitis and septicaemia, have occurred during previous Hajj pilgrimages [2].

In May 2024, 12 cases of meningococcal disease were reported from travellers who had performed Umrah while in KSA. Most of these cases were infected with meningococcal serogroup W and had not received a MenACWY vaccine [3].

The meningococcal B and C vaccinations given to children in the UK vaccination schedule will not provide adequate protection. Unlike MenACWY vaccine, these vaccinations do not protect against the W serogroup which has been linked to outbreaks at Hajj in previous years [2].

Some pilgrims to Hajj will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including those over 65 years, pregnant women and people with certain long-term conditions. Further details are available in the Health Requirements and Recommendations for Travelers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj 1446H (2025). Only a small number of individuals are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination as part of the NHS programme. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) 'Green Book' Immunisation against infectious disease, COVID-19 chapter gives more detailed advice. Those not eligible for COVID-19 vaccine who require it for the Hajj will need to access COVID-19 vaccination from a private clinic or pharmacy service.

As Hajj 1446H (2025) starts in June, temperatures are likely to be high. Pilgrims should be prepared and take steps to reduce the risk of heat related illness. See our Hajj and Umrah factsheet for further details on this and other recommendations for pilgrims.