Umrah & Hajj Vaccinations — and Sehhaty
Before Umrah or Hajj, Saudi Arabia requires specific vaccinations — and getting them right is part of getting your visa and boarding. This guide starts with exactly which vaccines you need and when, then explains Sehhaty, the Ministry of Health app that holds vaccination records and health services inside the Kingdom.
Meningitis (ACWY) — required for every pilgrim
This is the vaccine no pilgrim can skip. Saudi Arabia requires every traveller aged one year and older to show proof of a quadrivalent ACWY meningococcal vaccine before entry — meningitis can spread quickly in the dense crowds of Tawaf and Sa‘i.
No Umrah or Hajj visa is issued without a valid meningitis certificate. Pilgrims arriving from the African “meningitis belt” are also given preventive antibiotics at the port of entry.
The other required & recommended vaccines
Beyond meningitis, some vaccines depend on your country of origin or the current season.
- PolioRequired if you’re arriving from a polio-risk country — IPV or OPV before travel, recorded on your Yellow Card.
- Yellow feverRequired if arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country — a valid certificate for anyone over 9 months.
- COVID-19Has been required in recent seasons; check whether it applies to your trip before you travel.
- Seasonal flu & routineInfluenza is recommended, and keep routine vaccines such as MMR and polio boosters up to date.
What is Sehhaty?
Sehhaty (صحتي, “my health”) is the official app of the Saudi Ministry of Health. It brings the Kingdom’s public health services into one place — booking appointments, virtual consultations, prescriptions, and your personal and family health records, including vaccination records and certificates.
It’s primarily for citizens and residents inside Saudi Arabia, and sign-in uses Nafath, the national digital identity. For pilgrims already living in the Kingdom, it’s where you confirm your vaccination status before applying for a permit.
What you can do with Sehhaty
- Book appointmentsReserve visits at primary health centres and hospitals.
- Virtual consultationsSpeak to a clinician remotely without visiting in person.
- Prescriptions & medicationsView prescriptions and manage your medications.
- Health recordsAccess your personal and family medical history.
- VaccinationsSee vaccination records and download certificates.
- Sick-leave & indicatorsVerify sick-leave reports and track health indicators.
Setting up Sehhaty
For residents and citizens inside the Kingdom.
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Install the official app
Download the Sehhaty app published by the Ministry of Health from the App Store or Google Play.
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Register
Sign up with your national ID or Iqama number and your mobile number.
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Verify and sign in with Nafath
Confirm your identity; like most Saudi services, Sehhaty logs in through Nafath. New to it? See our Nafath guide.
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Open your health profile
Your records, appointments, and vaccination certificates are ready to view and manage.
Vaccinations & Sehhaty FAQ
Which vaccinations are mandatory for Umrah and Hajj?
The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is required for every pilgrim aged one year and older. Polio and yellow fever vaccines are required for travellers arriving from at-risk or endemic countries. COVID-19 has been required in recent seasons, so check the current requirement. This is general information — always verify with the Saudi Ministry of Health before you travel.
When should I get the meningitis vaccine for Umrah?
The ACWY meningitis vaccine must be given at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia, and it is valid for 3 to 5 years depending on the type. It is best to begin your vaccinations two to three months before departure to allow time for every dose.
Do international pilgrims use Sehhaty for vaccinations?
Generally no. International pilgrims are vaccinated in their home country and carry the certificate (the International Certificate of Vaccination, or Yellow Card), which is checked on arrival. Sehhaty holds vaccination records and certificates for people within the Saudi health system.
What is the Sehhaty app used for?
Sehhaty is the Saudi Ministry of Health app. It lets you book appointments at health centres and hospitals, hold virtual consultations, manage prescriptions and medications, view personal and family health records, and access vaccination records and certificates.
How do I register on Sehhaty?
Download the official Sehhaty app published by the Ministry of Health, register with your national ID or Iqama number and mobile, and verify your identity. Like most Saudi government services, sign-in uses Nafath.
Where can I check the current vaccination requirements?
Always check the official Saudi Ministry of Health website (moh.gov.sa) for current requirements, as they are updated each year and can change with global health conditions. Confirm one to two weeks before travel.
Do children need the meningitis vaccine?
Yes, children aged one year and older require the ACWY meningitis vaccine; children under one year are exempt. Consult a paediatrician for child-specific advice and the correct schedule.
Is the Sehhaty app free?
Yes, the Sehhaty app is free to download and use. Individual medical services follow the normal rules and costs of the Saudi health system.
Related guides
Health & independence notice. This page is general information, not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare professional and confirm the current rules with the official Saudi Ministry of Health, as vaccination requirements change each year and by country of origin. NewHaj is an independent resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Sehhaty or the Saudi Ministry of Health. Official site: moh.gov.sa.
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