4 vaccinations that are mandatory for Hajj pilgrims and Hajj-related workers

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has released the 2026 Hajj health requirements and guidelines for all intending pilgrims worldwide, including Nigeria.

The advisory outlines the mandatory medical conditions and vaccination requirements that must be fulfilled before embarking on the pilgrimage.

According to Fatima Sanda Usara, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the Saudi Ministry of Health has emphasised that all pilgrims must be physically fit and free from ailments that could affect their health or that of others during the holy exercise.

She said the Kingdom listed several medical conditions that may disqualify an individual from performing Hajj, including severe heart, lung, or kidney diseases; advanced chronic illnesses; neurological or psychiatric disorders; senility accompanied by dementia; high-risk pregnancies; and cancer cases under active treatment.

The circular also mentioned that individuals suffering from infectious diseases of public health concern, such as tuberculosis or hemorrhagic fevers, would not be allowed to participate in Hajj.

On vaccination, the Saudi authorities reiterated that all intending pilgrims must present valid vaccination certificates against COVID-19, meningitis, polio, and yellow fever before entering the Kingdom.

For COVID-19, pilgrims and Hajj workers must show proof of full vaccination with vaccines approved by Saudi Arabia. The most recent dose must have been received between 2021 and 2025, and at least two weeks before travel.

Similarly, all pilgrims are required to take the Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY) vaccine not more than five years and not less than ten days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Due to the continued surveillance of poliovirus, Nigerian pilgrims are expected to receive a dose of the Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) or Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV/novel OPV2) at least four weeks before travel. Proof must be recorded in the International Certificate of Vaccination, commonly known as the Yellow Card.

In addition, all travelers above nine months of age are to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in the Kingdom.

The circular further stated that health authorities in Saudi Arabia will conduct medical screening at all entry points to ensure compliance with these health standards.

Any traveler who fails to meet the conditions may be denied entry, isolated, or subjected to further medical evaluation. NAHCON, therefore, urges all intending pilgrims to complete their health checks and vaccinations early to avoid delays or disqualification.