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Hajj Guide UK

Hajj Guide UK / Paperwork and health

Hajj 2027

Hajj vaccinations from the UK

You need a meningitis ACWY vaccine certificate for Hajj, given at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia. Book it early through a travel clinic or pharmacy, as it is not usually free on the NHS for travel.

Last checked: November 2026. Written for pilgrims travelling from the UK.

The required vaccine

Saudi Arabia requires pilgrims to show proof of the quadrivalent meningococcal (ACWY) vaccine. It must be given at least 10 days before arrival. A conjugate vaccine is usually accepted for 5 years and the older polysaccharide type for 3 years, but check the current rules for the 1448 AH season.

Why it mattersUKHSA has urged pilgrims to get vaccinated after cases of meningitis W in people returning to the UK from Umrah, and in their families.

Other vaccines to discuss

Ask your GP, pharmacist or travel clinic about the seasonal flu vaccine, COVID-19, and whether your routine vaccines are up to date. Older pilgrims and people with long-term conditions should ask about pneumococcal vaccination too.

Timeline

  1. 6 to 8 weeks before travel: book an appointment.
  2. At least 10 days before arrival: the ACWY vaccine must be given.
  3. Keep the certificate with your passport in your hand luggage.

Common questions

Is the Hajj meningitis vaccine free on the NHS?

Usually not when it is for travel. Most pilgrims pay at a travel clinic or pharmacy. Some people may already have had MenACWY through the school programme, but you still need a valid certificate.

How long does the meningitis certificate last?

Usually 5 years for the conjugate vaccine and 3 years for the polysaccharide vaccine, as long as it was given at least 10 days before arrival. Check the current Saudi rules.

Sources