Information in general:

• Performing the rituals of Hajj and Umrah is strenuous and often involves long walks in hot weather. Pilgrims must ensure that they are as physically fit as possible.
  
• Ideally, pilgrims should see their doctor at least four to six weeks before the Hajj for advice on vaccinations, food and water precautions, risks from insect bites, heat exhaustion and how to avoid injury.
  
• Pilgrims should have travel insurance that covers health emergencies and COVID-19.
  
• Pilgrims with pre-existing medical conditions should discuss with their doctor whether traveling is an option, for detailed KSA recommendations, see LINK.
  
• If taking medication, ensure that they have a sufficient supply for the time abroad and that they have a copy of their prescription with them. Always carry medical documents and ample supply of prescribed medications if you have a chronic condition. Keep these in their original packaging to avoid issues with customs.
  
• COVID-19 Travel Protocols: Although global restrictions have eased, Saudi Arabia still enforces health measures for travelers, see LINK.
  
• For other information and general issues: see Ministry of Hajj/Umrah website.
  

General precautions:

• Disposable razor blades recommended for the obligatory head shave
  
• Drink plenty of fluids!
  
• Avoid direct sunlight.
  
• Apply good personal hygiene (hand washing, disinfection, etc.), handkerchiefs when coughing or sneezing and disposal of used handkerchiefs in a waste bin.
  
• Wear masks while performing rituals and in crowded places.
  
• Avoid contact with people who appear ill and do not share their personal belongings.
  
• Avoid visiting and coming into contact with camels on farms, markets or in stables, and avoid drinking unpasteurized milk or eating raw meat or animal products that have not been thoroughly cooked.
  
• Practice good food and drinking water hygiene to prevent food and waterborne diseases.
  
• Mosquito repellent, especially during the day (dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases!).
  

Required vaccinations (for details, see website of the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

• The meningococcal vaccination (quadrivalent conjugate vaccine, Menveo® ®/Menquadfi®)) is mandatory for all persons aged 1 year and over and must be administered at least 10 days before departure. Vaccination with a conjugate vaccine is valid for 5 years.
  
• Poliomyelitis vaccination: In addition to the basic immunization, a polio booster vaccination is required if you are traveling from countries where wild polioviruses or circulating polioviruses have been reported (see LINK). The booster should have been administered between four weeks and 12 months before entering the Kingdom.
  
• Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers over 9 months of age when entering Saudi Arabia from countries or areas at risk of yellow fever.

Recommended vaccinations:

• All pilgrims should have up-to-date routine vaccinations (diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis/poliomyelitis/measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, etc.) and should have a booster vaccination against polio according to Swiss ECTM recommendation.
  
• Hepatitis A vaccination.
  
• Hepatitis B vaccination (especially for men due to the frequent shaving of the head on site).
  
• COVID-19 vaccination (complete of all required doses!) is recommended for all pilgrims aged 12 year or older with a Kingdom approved COVID-19 vaccine: see LINK.
  
• Influenza vaccination: according to KSA: for all pilgrims recommended, especially for pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.
• For other vaccinations depending on risk: see country page at www.healthytravel.ch.