The meningitis ACWY jab is the one Umrah vaccine that Saudi Arabia requires from every pilgrim. You must have it at least 10 days before you arrive, and your certificate must still be valid. Other jabs, such as flu, are recommended, and older pilgrims and some others also need proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
This guide explains the rules as of September 2026, where to get the jab in the UK and how to plan the timing around your trip. It is general information, not medical advice. Always check your own needs with your GP, a pharmacist or a travel clinic.
Quick answer
- Required: a meningitis ACWY vaccine, given at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
- The conjugate type used in the UK counts for five years. If your certificate does not show the type, it counts for three.
- Pilgrims over 65, pregnant women and people with certain long-term conditions also need proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
- Most adults pay for the jab at a pharmacy or travel clinic. Book it as soon as your dates are fixed.
Do you need a vaccine for Umrah?
Yes. Saudi Arabia requires every Umrah pilgrim to have a meningitis ACWY vaccine before they travel, and this includes pilgrims from the UK. GOV.UK tells British pilgrims to carry a valid certificate that shows they had it at least 10 days before arrival.
The rule comes from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health, which publishes health requirements for Umrah every year. Its Umrah document for 1447H (2026) says that all people intending to perform Umrah, from all countries, must be vaccinated against meningitis ACWY. As of 28 September 2026, the Ministry’s website still lists this as the current Umrah document.
GOV.UK’s pilgrimage advice for Saudi Arabia gives the same message: “You must have a valid certificate of vaccination against the ACWY strains of meningitis 10 days before arriving for Hajj and Umrah.” It also points British pilgrims to TravelHealthPro, the UK’s official travel health service, for more detail.
The rules can change from one season to the next. So check the Saudi Ministry of Health Umrah requirements and the TravelHealthPro Hajj and Umrah factsheet shortly before you book your jab.
Meningitis ACWY: the required Umrah vaccine
The MenACWY vaccine protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria, called groups A, C, W and Y. These bacteria can cause meningitis and sepsis, which are life-threatening. They spread more easily in large crowds, which is why Saudi Arabia requires the jab for Umrah.
The NHS explains that meningitis can lead to life-changing disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage and the loss of limbs. The vaccine is given as a single injection, usually in the upper arm, and most people only need one dose.
Umrah and Hajj bring millions of people together from all over the world. TravelHealthPro reports that large outbreaks of meningococcal disease have happened in past seasons. It also notes cases in the UK in 2024 and 2025 linked to pilgrims, including family members who had not travelled.
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived. The NHS lists a sore arm, headache and feeling unwell among the common ones. The vaccines used in the UK do not contain live bacteria, so the jab cannot give you the infection.
The jab does not protect against every cause of meningitis. So if you feel unwell after you come home, especially with a fever, contact your GP or NHS 111 and tell them you have been on Umrah. Our guide to health and safety on Umrah covers more ways to stay well.
Certificate rules: timing and validity
You must have the meningitis jab at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia. The conjugate type, which is the type used in the UK, then counts for five years. If your certificate does not say which type you had, Saudi Arabia treats it as valid for three years only.
| Vaccine type | Must be given at least | Valid for |
|---|---|---|
| Conjugate ACWY (the type used in the UK) | 10 days before arrival | 5 years |
| Conjugate ACYWX (five-group type) | 10 days before arrival | 5 years |
| Polysaccharide ACWY (older type) | 10 days before arrival | 3 years |
| Type not shown on the certificate | 10 days before arrival | 3 years only |
TravelHealthPro notes that the polysaccharide type has not been available in the UK for over three years. So if you had the jab in the UK recently, it is almost certainly the conjugate type. Just make sure the certificate says so.
What your certificate should show
TravelHealthPro advises that your record shows your full name, the vaccine name and its type, such as “conjugate”. It should be issued by the doctor, nurse or pharmacist who vaccinated you, with their official stamp. The Saudi rules also ask for the date the vaccine was given.
Your clinic may give you a vaccination card, a certificate or a letter on headed paper. If you have a yellow International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) booklet, the jab can be recorded on its “Other Vaccinations” pages.
Who needs the Umrah vaccine?
Every pilgrim aged one year or older needs the meningitis jab, according to TravelHealthPro. That includes children, older parents and people who have done Umrah before. If your last dose is out of date, you need a new one.
Repeat pilgrims should check the date on their old certificate. A conjugate jab from four years ago may still be valid, but it must stay valid for your whole stay, not just the day you land. If it runs out during your trip, speak to a clinic about a new dose.
Many people who grew up in the UK had MenACWY at school, usually in year 9. That dose may be too old to count, and school records often do not show the details Saudi Arabia asks for. Check your record in the NHS App or with your GP.
The rule applies to Umrah on any visa, including a tourist e-visa. Saudi Arabia’s requirement is about the pilgrim, not the type of visa, so do not skip the jab because your visa application did not ask for it.
Other recommended vaccines for Umrah
Apart from meningitis ACWY, Saudi Arabia recommends the seasonal flu jab and routine vaccines, and requires COVID-19 proof from some groups. TravelHealthPro also suggests considering hepatitis B. Check your own needs with a clinic, because the right mix depends on your age and health.
| Vaccine | Status for UK pilgrims | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meningitis ACWY | Required | At least 10 days before arrival, with a certificate showing the type |
| COVID-19 | Required for some | Over-65s, pregnant women and people with certain long-term conditions need proof |
| Seasonal flu | Recommended | Advised by Saudi health guidance; free on the NHS only for some groups |
| Routine UK vaccines | Recommended | Such as MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, polio and chickenpox |
| Hepatitis B | Consider | Protects against blood-borne infection, for example from used razor blades |
| Rabies | Consider | There is a risk in Saudi Arabia, so avoid contact with animals |
| Polio and yellow fever | Not usually | Only if you travel via certain countries, not direct from the UK |
COVID-19
The Saudi Umrah rules require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or immunity from some groups. These include people over 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic heart, lung, kidney or neurological disease, cancer, weakened immunity or inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell.
The proof can be one dose of the updated vaccine for the 2025 to 2026 season, a full first course given between 2021 and 2024, or a lab-confirmed COVID-19 infection during 2025. TravelHealthPro notes that only a small number of people can get the jab on the NHS, so others may need a private pharmacy or clinic.
Flu
Flu spreads easily in crowds, and pilgrims can meet it outside the usual UK flu season. TravelHealthPro warns that the flu jab may not be on sale in the UK in late spring or summer. If you are travelling then, ask about it during the autumn and winter before.
Hepatitis B and razors
Men shave or cut their hair at the end of Umrah. TravelHealthPro advises using a new blade, because a used one can spread hepatitis B and C and HIV. Our guide to shaving your head for Umrah has tips on choosing a barber.
Where to get the Umrah vaccine in the UK
Most people get the meningitis ACWY jab at a pharmacy with a travel clinic, or at a private travel clinic. Some GP surgeries offer it too. The NHS does not include MenACWY for travel in its list of free travel vaccines, so most adults pay for it.
Large pharmacy chains and many independent pharmacies run travel clinics in towns and cities across the UK, including London, Manchester and Birmingham. Many let you book online. Ask for the Hajj and Umrah meningitis vaccine when you book, so they prepare the right certificate.
The NHS gives MenACWY free to teenagers at school, and up to the age of 25 for anyone who missed it. It is also offered to some people at higher risk because of a medical condition, their work, travel or close contact with a case. Ask your GP whether you qualify.
At the appointment, tell the person vaccinating you about any health conditions, medicines, allergies or pregnancy. The NHS also advises waiting if you have a high temperature on the day.
Your vaccine and your visa are separate steps, so it helps to plan them together. Our guide to the Umrah visa process from the UK explains the visa side.
How much does the Umrah injection cost in the UK?
Prices vary between pharmacies and travel clinics, and they change often. So we do not list them here. Ask two or three local providers for the full price before you book, and check what it includes.
When you compare prices, ask these questions:
- Does the price include the consultation and the certificate?
- Will the certificate show the vaccine name, its type and the date?
- Can they give other jabs you may need, such as flu or hepatitis B, at the same visit?
- Is there a family or group price if several of you are travelling?
If you are under 25 and missed MenACWY at school, you may be able to get it free from your GP. Everyone else should budget for a paid jab, and hepatitis B and rabies jabs are paid for too, according to the NHS.
When to get vaccinated before your trip
Book your jab as soon as your travel dates are fixed. TravelHealthPro and the NHS advise seeing a travel health professional four to six weeks before you travel. The absolute latest for the meningitis jab is 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
- When you book your trip. Check your old certificates and your NHS App record. Book a travel health appointment.
- Four to six weeks before you fly. Have your meningitis jab and any other vaccines the clinic recommends.
- Two to three weeks before you fly. Check that your certificate shows your full name, the vaccine name, its type and the date.
- At least 10 days before arrival. This is the official deadline for the meningitis jab, so do not leave it this late unless you have to.
- Before you leave home. Photograph your certificate, and pack the original with your passport.
Leaving it to the last minute can cause problems at busy times, such as Ramadan and the school holidays, when clinics fill up. At Travel to Umrah, we suggest booking your jab in the same week you book your flights, so the two deadlines never clash.
Children, pregnancy and older pilgrims
Children from the age of one need the meningitis jab, just like adults. Pregnant women, older pilgrims and people with long-term conditions should get individual advice from a clinician well before they travel. Some of them also need proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Children
Book the children’s jabs at the same time as yours, and check that each child has their own certificate. If your teenager had MenACWY at school, ask the clinic whether that dose still counts. Our family Umrah packages page has more on travelling with children.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women need proof of COVID-19 vaccination or immunity under the Saudi Umrah rules. For Hajj, the Saudi health ministry lists the last three months of pregnancy, and high-risk pregnancy at any stage, as reasons not to perform the rituals. Speak to your midwife or GP before you book Umrah.
Older pilgrims
Pilgrims over 65 need COVID-19 proof, as well as the meningitis jab. The Saudi rules note that conjugate meningitis vaccines are safe and effective for people over 55. Heat can be hard on older people, and some medicines, such as water tablets (diuretics), may need adjusting, so ask your doctor.
Carry your medicines in their original packaging, with a copy of your prescription and a note about your health conditions. The Saudi rules and TravelHealthPro both advise this.
Staying healthy in Makkah and Madinah
Heat, crowds and hygiene cause most health problems on Umrah. Drink plenty of water, stay out of the midday sun, wash your hands often and wear a face mask in crowded places. These steps work alongside your vaccines, not instead of them.
- Heat. Saudi guidance advises avoiding direct sun during the rituals and drinking enough fluids. TravelHealthPro notes that daytime temperatures can pass 30°C even in winter.
- Sun cream. Use SPF 30 or higher with four or five-star UVA protection, and reapply every two to three hours. Men in ihram cannot cover their heads, but an umbrella gives shade.
- Crowds. Wash your hands with soap, use tissues when you cough and do not share cups or cutlery. Saudi guidance advises a face mask in crowded places.
- Camels. Avoid contact with camels and do not drink raw camel milk. This lowers the risk of MERS, a serious respiratory virus.
- Food and water. Wash your hands before eating, choose food that is cooked through and pack oral rehydration sachets.
- Feet. Minor foot injuries are common, so wear comfortable footwear and carry your shoes in a bag inside the mosque.
If you develop a fever, cough or breathlessness within 14 days of coming home, call your GP or NHS 111. Tell them you have been to Saudi Arabia, as TravelHealthPro advises, so they can assess you properly.
Your Umrah vaccine checklist
Use this list to make sure nothing is missed. Work through it as soon as your dates are fixed, and tick each item off before you fly from the UK.
- Book a travel health appointment four to six weeks before you travel.
- Have the meningitis ACWY jab at least 10 days before arrival.
- Check the certificate shows your full name, the vaccine name, its type, the date and the clinic’s stamp.
- Get COVID-19 proof if you are over 65, pregnant or have a long-term condition on the Saudi list.
- Ask about flu, hepatitis B and your routine vaccines.
- Photograph your certificate, and pack the original with your passport.
- Pack your medicines in their original boxes, with a copy of your prescription.
- Buy travel insurance for Umrah that covers any health conditions you have.
- Pack a small health kit with sanitiser, masks, plasters, rehydration sachets and sun cream.
Frequently asked questions about the Umrah vaccine
Is the meningitis vaccine required for Umrah?
Yes. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health requires every Umrah pilgrim to have a meningitis ACWY vaccine at least 10 days before arrival, and GOV.UK tells British pilgrims to carry a valid certificate.
TravelHealthPro says the rule applies from the age of one. It also covers repeat pilgrims whose last dose is out of date.
How long is the Umrah vaccine certificate valid?
It depends on the vaccine type. A conjugate ACWY vaccine, the type used in the UK, counts for five years. The older polysaccharide type counts for three years.
If the certificate does not say which type you had, Saudi Arabia treats it as valid for three years only, so make sure the type is written on it.
How many days before travel should I get the vaccine?
At least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia, which is the official minimum. In practice, book it as soon as your dates are fixed.
TravelHealthPro advises seeing a travel health professional four to six weeks before you travel. That leaves time for any other vaccines you need.
Do children need the Umrah vaccine?
Yes, from the age of one, according to TravelHealthPro. Children need their own certificate, just like adults.
Many UK teenagers had MenACWY at school in year 9, but that dose may be too old or poorly recorded. Check their record in the NHS App or with your GP, and ask the clinic whether a new dose is needed.
Can I get the Umrah vaccine on the NHS?
Usually not. MenACWY for travel is not on the NHS list of free travel vaccines, so most adults pay at a pharmacy or travel clinic.
The NHS gives MenACWY free to teenagers at school, and up to the age of 25 for anyone who missed it. Some people at higher risk may also qualify, so ask your GP.
Is a COVID-19 vaccine required for Umrah?
For some pilgrims, yes. Saudi Arabia’s Umrah rules for 2026 require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or immunity from people over 65, pregnant women and people with certain long-term conditions.
For other pilgrims, it is not listed as a requirement. Only a few people can get it free on the NHS, so ask a pharmacy or your GP early.
What if I lose my vaccination certificate?
Contact the pharmacy or clinic that vaccinated you, as they keep a record and can often issue a copy.
Before you travel, photograph the certificate and keep the photo on your phone and in your email. Carry the original with your passport, and keep a paper copy in your hand luggage too.
Final thoughts: get your Umrah vaccine sorted early
The meningitis ACWY jab is the one Umrah vaccine every pilgrim needs, given at least 10 days before arrival and recorded on a clear certificate. Older pilgrims and some others also need COVID-19 proof, and flu and routine jabs are wise for everyone. Speak to your GP, a pharmacist or a travel clinic about your own needs.
When you are ready to book, compare our affordable Umrah packages, which start from £555 per person as of September 2026, with the visa included. We arrange flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham and other UK airports. Use the free quote form below, message us on WhatsApp or call +44 20 3287 2118, and the Travel to Umrah team will help you plan your dates around your jabs.
Sources
We checked these sources in September 2026. Health rules change, so check them again before you travel.
