What is Hajj?
Hajj is an Islamic religious pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia which is attended by 2 to 3 million pilgrims annually.
The dates for Hajj 1445H/2024 are between 14 June until 19 June 2024
Planning for Hajj
Pilgrims from the United Kingdom wishing to perform Hajj 1445H/2024 must make a request through the official Ministry of Hajj Nusuk Hajj website.
Each year, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) issue public health recommendations and regulations to prevent and control health threats during Hajj. See the official health requirements and recommendations for Hajj 1445H/2024
These regulations detail both required and recommended vaccines for international pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah.
If you think it possible you may need vaccines or boosters, or you are not sure, you should arrange a travel health risk assessment around 6 to 8 weeks before you travel. If your trip is sooner, remember it is never too late to seek advice.
Keeping well during Hajj
As well as attending for travel assessment, there are many things you can do to keep as well as possible whilst travelling for Hajj including maintaining good food and water hygiene, protecting against exhaustion/sunstroke/dehydration and safety whilst participating. More detailed information can be found here:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/19/hajj-and-umrah
When you return from Hajj
If you become unwell with symptoms, including fever, cough and/or difficulty in breathing within 14 days of returning home from Hajj, you should call your GP or NHS24 on 111 (out of hours) as soon as possible and inform them you have recently returned from Saudi Arabia.
