Hajj and Umrah GuideHealth and safety on Hajj
Plain health advice for pilgrims: heat and dehydration, crowd safety, chronic illness, vaccinations, food and water, and the medicines to carry. Not medical advice.
The Hajj is physically demanding: long walks in heat, large crowds, and sleeping in tents. A few precautions help. This is general information; see your doctor before travel, particularly if you are over 60 or have a heart, lung, kidney or blood pressure condition or diabetes.
- Heat: temperatures can be above 40 degrees Celsius. Drink water often, use an umbrella, rest in the middle of the day and wear light clothing. Know the signs of heat illness: headache, dizziness, nausea, very hot dry skin.
- Crowds: keep your group together, wear a wristband with your name and your group's number, and learn the way back to your camp. Do not push at the stoning pillars; the rite can be done at any time within the permitted period.
- Vaccines and rules: the Saudi health ministry lists the required and recommended vaccines for pilgrims, which change from year to year; check the official list and your national Hajj authority.
- Food and water: eat freshly cooked food and drink bottled or treated water; wash hands often.
- Medicines: carry enough for the whole stay with the prescriptions, in the original packs, in your hand luggage.
- Foot care: blisters are very common. Wear well-fitting sandals and carry plasters.
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This is a plain introduction, not a manual and not a fatwa. Schools of thought differ on details, and pilgrims follow the guidance of the scholars of their group. Rules, fees and procedures are set by the Saudi authorities and your national Hajj authority and change every year: check the official sources. We do not sell packages.