Health advisories
Health advisory for Haj pilgrims (May 2025)
8 May 2025
The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) advises Haj pilgrims to take the following preventive measures when travelling to Saudi Arabia.
Pre-travel preparations
Consult your healthcare provider four to six weeks prior to your travel for a travel health risk assessment, including advice on required or recommended vaccinations and preventive medications (prophylaxis).
Be up to date with the recommended vaccinations and boosters in the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) or National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS).
Be aware of the health situation and entry requirements in Saudi Arabia.
Vaccination requirements and recommendations
Pilgrims must meet specific vaccination requirements[1] set by the Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia, which include mandatory meningococcal vaccination for all and COVID-19 vaccination for selected pilgrims.
In consultation with Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS), influenza and COVID-19 vaccination will also be required for all pilgrims. These vaccination requirements are intended to safeguard pilgrims' health throughout their journey
Pilgrims are also encouraged to update their NAIS/NCIS vaccinations before travel.
Please refer to Table 1 for more details.
[1] Please visit Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia’s website for details on the prevailing requirements for Haj: https://www.moh.gov.sa/HealthAwareness/Pilgrims_Health/Documents/Hajj-Health-Requirements-English-language.pdf
Table 1. Vaccine requirements and recommendations for Singapore pilgrims
Vaccine | Vaccination details |
Required | |
Meningococcal vaccine | Vaccination[2] must be completed at least 10 days prior to travel. The validity of the vaccination varies depending on the type of vaccine received:
|
COVID-19 vaccine | Proof of immunisation against COVID-19, which includes at least one of the following, must be shown:
|
Influenza vaccine | Influenza vaccination must be received within 12 months before your travel date. |
Recommended | |
Pneumococcal vaccine | Recommended in the NAIS and NCIS for children below 5 years of age, adults aged 65 years and older, and persons aged between 5 and 64 years with certain medical conditions. |
Routine vaccines | Other nationally recommended vaccinations include measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), varicella and hepatitis B vaccinations (for children and adults), and diphtheria and polio vaccinations (for children). |
Subsidies are available for eligible Singaporeans and Permanent Residents who meet the criteria for vaccination for nationally recommended vaccinations. Please consult your doctor for further advice regarding the above vaccinations or on other travel-related vaccinations prior to travel. For more information on COVID-19 and other nationally recommended vaccinations and subsidies available, please visit: https://www.cda.gov.sg/public/vaccinations | |
[2] Meningococcal conjugate vaccine can be administered in children as early as 6 weeks of age. Please approach your doctor for advice on the type of meningococcal conjugate vaccines that are suitable for children below one year of age.
General Health Advice
Pilgrims with pre-existing major medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic renal disease, immunodeficiency) should consult a doctor before travelling to assess whether making the pilgrimage is medically advisable.
Always observe and practise good personal hygiene.
Practise frequent hand washing with soap and water (e.g. before handling food or eating, after going to toilet, or when hands are dirty from coughing or sneezing). If water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Eat food that have been fully cooked, and wash fruits and vegetables properly before eating them. Avoid consuming raw and unpasteurised milk, undercooked meats and seafood, or food prepared under unsanitary conditions.
Avoid close contact with persons who are unwell, such as those suffering from respiratory infections.
Avoid feeding or touching animals, including camels, stray or wild animals.
Wear masks (i.e. surgical masks) especially when in crowded places.
Wear a surgical mask and seek medical attention promptly if you become unwell while travelling or within 2 weeks after returning to Singapore, and inform the doctor of your travel history.
Other health alert(s)
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral illness caused by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Symptoms of MERS-CoV infection include fever, cough and shortness of breath. MERS-CoV infection may result in severe illness and complications, such as pneumonia, with death resulting in about a third of infected individuals. The virus is present in infected camels and can spread to humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. It may also spread through close contact with infected persons and in healthcare settings.
MERS-CoV cases are predominantly reported in countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula, with majority of cases reported in Saudi Arabia. The most recent case was reported from Saudi Arabia in April 2025.
Pilgrims are advised to avoid contact with camels and other wild animals, including visits to camel farms and consumption or exposure to their products (e.g. raw meat, unpasteurised milk, urine). If contact has been made, wash hands and soiled areas with soap and water thoroughly.
Click here for more information on MERS.