The Saudi Ministry of Health has officially updated the health requirements for Hajj 1446 AH (2025) as part of its ongoing mission to ensure the well-being of pilgrims and to elevate the standard of preventive care during the sacred season.
These updates are a vital step in creating a safe and healthy environment that allows pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease, peace of mind, and protection from potential health risks.
Purpose of the New Updates
The ministry aims to strengthen preventive health measures, enhance medical readiness, and create a robust health system that can efficiently respond to the demands of Hajj, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030—which prioritizes quality of life, visitor experience, and proactive health management.
Key Requirements Include:
Health capability as a core eligibility criterion, ensuring each pilgrim is physically fit to undertake Hajj.
Mandatory vaccinations, such as meningitis, seasonal influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines, based on individual risk and global health recommendations.
Preventive guidelines, including personal hygiene practices, wearing masks in certain areas, and avoiding unnecessary gatherings.
General health advice, including tips on hydration, nutrition, heat exhaustion prevention, and special recommendations for the elderly and those with chronic conditions.
Health clearance for seasonal workers in pilgrimage zones, to ensure they are medically fit to serve pilgrims effectively.
Special Measures for International Pilgrims:
Pilgrims arriving from abroad are required to:
Present valid and up-to-date vaccination certificates.
Pass pre-arrival medical screening as specified by the Saudi health authorities.
Comply with health regulations and preventive measures throughout their stay.
These steps are part of a comprehensive strategy implemented annually to preserve public health, protect against disease outbreaks, and ensure smooth management of peak pilgrimage periods.
Continued Medical Preparedness:
The ministry has confirmed it is working to upgrade healthcare infrastructure across Hajj sites, including:
Deploying specialized medical teams and mobile clinics.
Expanding the number of health centers across holy sites and entry points.
Launching multilingual awareness campaigns for pre-, during-, and post-Hajj guidance.
The Ministry of Health urged all individuals intending to perform Hajj in 2025 to review the official health requirements and documents on the following link to ensure eligibility and a smooth pilgrimage:
https://www.moh.gov.sa/HealthAwareness/Pilgrims_Health/Pages/default.aspx
Also Read: Saudi Hospital Ranks Among the World’s Best
