Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage
Hajj
The Hajj is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world. It is the fifth pillar of Islam and it is obligatory for this pilgrimage to be carried out by every able bodied Muslim at least once in their lifetime if they can afford to do so.
The pilgrimage occurs from the 10th-15th day of the 12th month in the Islamic calendar (Dhu al-Hijjah). The Islamic calendar is eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar used in the western world. The Gregorian date of the Hajj is eleven days earlier from year to year. In 2011 the Hajj will occur between 4-9 November.
Umrah
The Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year. Umrah is not considered as compulsory but it is highly recommended in Islam. There are two different types of Umrah.
Umrah can be combined with the Hajj (Umrat al-tammatu) or taken independently of the Hajj (al-Umrat al mufradah).
Saudi Arabia Hajj Regulations (2011)
Meningococcal vaccination certificate covering the A,C,Y and W135 strains is required from all travellers as a condition of entry if attending a Hajj pilgrimage. Visas are not issued unless proof of vaccination, at least 10 days prior to the expected date of entry, is submitted with the visa application. Certificates are not normally required from other categories of visitors or expatriate workers.
The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health recommends seasonal influenza vaccine before arrival, especially for those at increased risk eg. the elderly, chronic chest or heart disease.
The health requirements for the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj and Umrah) are published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) annually and the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health.
Other health risks and vaccine recommendations are available on the Saudi Arabia country record.
Other resources
The Department of Health have also produced a leaflet ' Going to Umrah? Protect yourself and your family, guard against meningitis and save lives' that is available for download from their website. The leaflet is available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Gujarati and Urdu.