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Health Conditions for Saudi Arabia Hajj 2014

14 August 2014

The health conditions for travellers to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage in 2014, have been published by the World Health Organisation in the Weekly Epidemiological Record, Vol 89, 32/33 8 August 2014.

The publication is to inform travellers of the full requirements for entry into Saudi Arabia.

In Response to International Outbreaks

The Saudi Ministry of Health recommends again this year, that individuals aged over 65 years, those with chronic diseases (e.g. heart disease, kidney disease, respiratory disease, diabetes) and pilgrims with immune deficiency (congenital and acquired), malignancy and terminal illnesses, pregnant women and children aged under 12 years planning to come for Hajj and Umra this year, to postpone the performance of the Hajj and Umra for their own safety.

The Saudi Ministry of Health also advises pilgrims to take the following measures to reduce the spread of respiratory infections:

  • Wash hands with soap and water or disinfectant, especially after coughing and sneezing
  • Use disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and dispose of it in the waste basket.
  • Try as much as possible to avoid hand contact with the eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Avoid direct contact with the persons who appear ill with cough, sneeze, expectoration, vomiting or diarrhoea and do not share their personal belongings.
  • Wear masks, especially when in crowded places.
  • Maintain good personal hygiene.

Public Health Emergency of International Health Concern

In the event of a Public Health Emergency of International Health Concern, or in the case of any disease outbreak subject to notification under the International Health Regulations 2005, the health authorities in Saudi Arabia will undertake additional preventive precautions (not included in the measures mentioned above) following consultation with WHO and necessary to avoid the spread of infection during the pilgrimage or on return to their country of origin.

Full details on vaccines and Hajj requirements can be found on the Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage Health Information page.