Saudi Arabia Unveils New 2025 Hajj Requirement for Pilgrims

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Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque during the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on July 12, 2022. — Reuters

JEDDAH: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has declared that all participants of the Hajj pilgrimage in 2025 will be required to receive the meningitis vaccine.

This important decision aims to protect the health of millions of pilgrims and applies to both Saudi citizens and international travelers.

The ministry emphasizes that receiving the vaccine is essential for anyone wishing to participate in Hajj, as it provides crucial protection against a potentially serious disease.

“Participation in Hajj without vaccination will not be permitted,” a spokesperson from the ministry stated, underscoring the significance of this requirement.

“It is vital to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases during Hajj, and this measure is now more critical than ever,” the ministry added.

Additionally, the process of registering for Hajj packages will depend on the proof of vaccination, making it a necessary step to proceed.

This decision is part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of infectious diseases during the annual pilgrimage, which attracts millions from around the world.

The close quarters of pilgrims can heighten the risk of disease outbreaks.