Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage performed by millions of Muslims all year round. It is not merely a spiritual experience but also a physical one. To perform Umrah, you have to be physically able in order to do circumambulation of Kaaba (Tawaf) with ease. This is to ensure you can perform as many Umrah as you want to whilst adhering to health guidelines.

If you are planning a trip to Umrah in 2025 and are confused about health guidelines, this guide will help you explore all the necessary vaccine requirements.

Vaccination Requirements for Umrah 2025

The Saudi government has issued strict health policies and guidelines for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims in 2025. There are certain vaccination certificates every pilgrim must provide as an entry requirement for Umrah. This is to ensure the safety of all pilgrims in Makkah. Here are some diseases you need to get Umrah vaccination for:

1.   COVID-19

Since 2020, Saudi authorities have made it clear that every pilgrim entering Masjid al-Haram must have COVID vaccination not less than 2 weeks old. This is to minimize the risk of transmission and ensure health as well as safety of every pilgrim.

2.   Meningococcal Meningitis

Meningitis is a fatal bacterial infection that infects the membranes of brain and spinal cord. Saudi authorities mandated every pilgrim to administer a meningitis vaccine for Umrah 10 days before arrival. The Saudi Health Ministry is strict in terms of adherence when it comes to safety and health guidelines of Umrah.

3.   Influenza

Beside Coronavirus and Meningitis, seasonal influenza virus has been reported as it has higher risk of transmission. Therefore, every pilgrim entering the Haram authorities must have an influenza vaccination certificate. It is not mandatory but the Saudi Ministry of Health recommends influenza vaccination for safety.

4.   Yellow fever

For certain countries, yellow fever is also listed as one of the mandatory Umrah vaccination requirements for pilgrims wishing to perform Umrah 2025. Pilgrim must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate showing that the person was vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival.

5.   Poliomyelitis

Pilgrims from polio-endemic and re-established transmission countries should receive 1 dose of oral polio vaccine (OPV) at least 6 weeks prior to departure. These countries include Chad, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

Significance of Vaccination

Getting vaccinated before performing Umrah not only benefits you but assures the well-being of your fellow Muslim brothers too. Every pilgrim is crossing oceans to fulfill Umrah rituals and get a glimpse of Kaaba. We should be aware of the importance of vaccination to ensure safety of every pilgrim travelling from the corner of the world.

Risk of Transmission:

Masjid al-Haram is crowded most of the time so the risk of transmission is higher there than any other place. Vaccinations reduce the risk of contracting contagious diseases like Covid, Meningitis and influenza.

Saudi Health Regulation

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health instructed that the administration of Meningococcal vaccine for Umrah is mandatory for every pilgrim. ACYW135 Vaccination certificate is a mandatory requirement for visa approval and entry into Saudi Arabia. This is to ensure the health of every visitor and minimize the risk of global outbreak.

Enhance Spirituality:

Getting sick during Umrah not only impacts your health but also takes the essence of spirituality. It becomes harder to focus on prayers and engage in Umrah rituals with peace. Performing Umrah rituals requires physical energy and illnesses might be a barrier. Therefore, fulfilling Umrah vaccination requirements can maximize and elevate your overall spiritual pilgrimage experience.

Booking Umrah Packages with Vaccination Requirements

If you are an international pilgrim travelling to perform Umrah 2025, get in touch with reliable Umrah travel agents. Getting trusted Umrah agents who are well-versed with updated travel requirements and regulations will benefit you.

At Guest of Rehman, every pilgrim’s health and safety come first. With their Umrah packages 2025, you can be aware of health guidelines and affordable packages in no time. 

How to Obtain Vaccination Certificates for Umrah?

If you are planning to perform Umrah 2025, visit your healthcare provider or any local clinic to get necessary immunization if needed. Obtain vaccination records International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) as proof of vaccination certificate. In other words, also known as, “yellow card.” 

Why is Influenza Virus Vaccination Needed?

Influenza vaccination is required to ensure safety of pregnant women, minor pilgrims, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, asthma, and chronic heart or lung diseases.

Is Meningococcal Vaccine Mandatory for All International Pilgrims?

Yes, pilgrims travelling for Umrah or for seasonal work are required to submit a certificate of meningitis vaccine for Umrah issued no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Can I Bring Fresh Food if I Feel Sick Just Before My Umrah Flight?

Hajj and Umrah pilgrims are not allowed to bring fresh food into Saudi Arabia. Only properly canned or sealed food or food stored in containers with easy access for inspection is allowed in small quantities, sufficient for one person for the duration of his or her trip.

Is Yellow fever Vaccination Certificate Mandatory?

Only pilgrims travelling from high-risk areas are mandated to provide yellow fever vaccination certificates. The countries include Angola, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda, Ghana, Ethiopia and many more African countries mostly. Getting an Umrah injection for yellow fever reduces the chances of contraction and elevates spirituality while performing Umrah rituals.

Summary

The administration of necessary vaccines like Meningitis and Covid should be the priority of every pilgrim planning to perform Umrah 2025. By adhering to strict health guidelines, US pilgrims can ensure safety and spirituality of their pilgrimage. Getting vaccinated early can save you from last-minute hassle.

Book Umrah packages 2025 with updated guidelines Now!