Hajj Vaccinations & Health Requirements
Without the required vaccinations, your visa and boarding can be blocked. Follow Saudi Arabia's annual requirements list for pilgrims.
Which vaccinations are required for Pakistani Hajj pilgrims?
Saudi Arabia requires all Hajj pilgrims to have the Meningitis ACWY (quadrivalent) vaccine, administered at least 10 days before travel and within the last 3 years. Polio (OPV / IPV for Pakistani travellers) and seasonal influenza are also required or strongly recommended. For COVID-19, follow the annual Saudi announcement. Vaccines are administered at government-designated centres (DHOs, EPI, major hospitals), which issue the International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card / ICV).
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1. Check the annual Saudi requirements list
The Saudi Ministry of Health (moh.gov.sa) publishes an updated list each year before Hajj; MoRA Pakistan mirrors this announcement.
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2. Meningitis ACWY (mandatory)
The quadrivalent (A, C, W, Y) vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before departure to build immunity. A single dose is accepted for 3 years.
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3. Polio (mandatory for Pakistani travellers)
Pakistan is still classified among polio-affected countries. An OPV / IPV dose at least 4 weeks before travel and endorsement on the Yellow Card is required.
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4. Seasonal Influenza
Due to crowds and seasonal changes, the flu shot is strongly recommended by Saudi MoH - especially for the elderly and those with chronic conditions.
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5. COVID-19 (per annual announcement)
Some years require a valid COVID-19 vaccination; always check the current Saudi MoH announcement before travel.
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6. Where to get vaccinated in Pakistan
District Health Offices (DHOs), Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) centres, and major government / accredited hospitals. Get the International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card / ICV) stamped after each dose.
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7. Carry the Yellow Card + documents on travel
Departure and arrival staff at Jeddah / Madinah airports can check the Yellow Card. If lost, you may need to re-vaccinate - carry the original and a photocopy.
Key FactWithout Meningitis ACWY, Pakistani pilgrims are denied the Saudi visa and boarding.
Key FactPakistan remains a polio-affected country, so Polio vaccination and Yellow Card endorsement are mandatory.
Key FactComplete all vaccinations at least 10 days before departure.
Common mistakes & troubleshooting
- !Travelling without a stamped Yellow Card - you'll be stopped at the airport.
- !Assuming an old Meningitis vaccination (over 3 years) still counts.
- !Getting vaccinated at unaccredited private clinics - their certificates may not be accepted.
- !Skipping medical consultation for elderly or chronic patients (BP, diabetes, cardiac).
Official action - leave Nidaul Khaleel and continue on the government portal.
Pakistan Ministry of Health (NIH)