Staying well on Umrah: a practical health checklist for UK pilgrims
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In this guide
Umrah involves heat, crowds and a lot of walking. Speak to your GP or a travel clinic early about vaccinations and any health requirements, pack your regular medicines and a copy of your prescriptions, plan rest and water, wear comfortable footwear and make sure your travel insurance covers the trip.
- Ask your GP or travel clinic early
- Medicines and prescriptions in cabin bag
- Water, rest and comfortable footwear
- Insurance that covers the trip
Before you go
- Speak to your GP or a travel clinic well in advance about vaccinations and any requirements.
- Health requirements for pilgrims can change, so check the official Saudi and UK sources close to your travel date.
- If you have a health condition, ask your doctor whether you are fit to travel and how to manage it.
Medicines and documents
- Carry regular medicines in original packaging in your cabin bag, with copies of prescriptions.
- Check GOV.UK foreign travel advice for any restrictions on medicines.
- Keep copies of your passport, insurance and important contacts.
Heat, walking and pacing
- Drink water often, even when you do not feel thirsty.
- Wear comfortable, broken-in footwear, and carry blister plasters.
- Rest in shade and air-conditioning when you can, and pace yourself.
- Older travellers and children may need extra rest and support.
Stay clean and healthy
- Wash hands often and carry hand sanitiser and tissues.
- Be careful with food and water hygiene, especially in crowds.
- Rest when you are unwell and seek medical help early.
Insurance
Check that your travel insurance covers pilgrimage trips, medical care and repatriation, and declare any health conditions. Keep the emergency number saved on your phone.
See planning Umrah through official channels, Umrah with children or elderly parents and Hajj and Umrah basics.
This page gives general travel information, not medical advice. For anything about your own health, medicines or vaccinations, speak to a pharmacist, your GP or a travel clinic, and check the NHS and TravelHealthPro before you travel.
This guide is part of our complete guide to halal holidays from the UK. See all umrah & pilgrimage guides.
Frequently asked questions
When should I ask about vaccinations for Umrah?
As early as possible, ideally several weeks before you travel, with your GP or a travel clinic.
Does travel insurance cover Umrah?
Not always. Check that your policy covers pilgrimage trips and medical care.
