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Health Regulations for Hajj 2015 (1436AH) in Saudi Arabia

16 July 2015

The health regulations and recommendations for travellers to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage in 2015, have been published by the Ministry of Health in Saudia Arabia.

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

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

Specific Precautions against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

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 Ministry of Health also advises pilgrims to take the following measures to reduce the spread of MERS-CoV:

  • Wash hands with soap and water or disinfectant, especially after coughing and sneezing
  • Use disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and dispose of safely.
  • Try as much as possible to avoid hand contact with the eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Avoid direct contact with the infected persons or use of their personal gadgets.
  • Wear masks, especially when in crowded places.
  • Avoid direct contact with camels and staying away from their gathering places.
  • Avoid drinking camel milk unless it is pasteurized or boiled, or eating their undercooked meat.

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.