UPDATES TO VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR HAJ PILGRIMS FROM SINGAPORE

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) have updated the vaccination requirements for pilgrims of all age groups from Singapore travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrimage, in consultation with Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS). This is to safeguard Haj pilgrims' health throughout their journey and better protect them from infections while overseas.

Vaccination requirements for meningococcal, influenza and COVID-19

2.               Currently, meningococcal vaccination is required for Singapore pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrimage. All Singapore pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrimage in June also need to be vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19 prior to travel, in addition to meningococcal vaccination. Pilgrims are to ensure that: 

• Meningococcal vaccination: Pilgrims must complete their meningococcal vaccination at least 10 days before departure and provide proof of vaccination. 

• COVID-19 vaccination: Pilgrims must show proof of either a single dose of the updated vaccine for the 2024-2025 season, completion of primary vaccination series, or laboratory-confirmed recovery from a COVID-19 infection during the year 2024. 

• Influenza vaccination: Pilgrims must receive their influenza vaccination within 12 months before their travel date and provide proof of vaccination.

3.               MUIS has earlier communicated the updated vaccination requirements to pilgrims through Haj collaterals, so that pilgrims have time to arrange their vaccinations.

4.               In addition to the meningococcal, COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, MOH and CDA recommend that pilgrims ensure they are up to date with other nationally recommended vaccinations listed in the National Adult Immunisation Schedule and National Childhood Immunisation Schedule. For example, elderly and medically vulnerable pilgrims should take the pneumococcal vaccine prior to their trip. Pilgrims should also be aware of the health situation and entry requirements in Saudi Arabia. For more information about nationally recommended vaccinations and available subsidies, please visit the CDA website.

5.               Pilgrims from Singapore who intend to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah pilgrimages should adopt the same recommendations for better protection.

Planning for a safe pilgrimage

6.               Prospective pilgrims should consult their healthcare provider four to six weeks prior to travel for a travel health risk assessment including advice on required or recommended vaccinations and preventive medications (prophylaxis), before purchasing a Haj package from a MUIS-appointed travel agent. Thereafter, pilgrims are advised to coordinate with their preferred healthcare provider on obtaining the necessary vaccinations, checking the vaccine availability at clinics, and receiving any other recommended preventive medications.

7.               Pilgrims are recommended to carry both physical vaccination certificates and digital vaccination records via the HealthHub app for border checks in Saudi Arabia.

8.               Please refer to the updated health advisory for Haj pilgrims on the CDA website.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AGENCY

Annex

Vaccine Requirements and Recommendations for Singapore Haj Pilgrims

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 two 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.

• For more information on MERS, please refer to: https://www.cda.gov.sg/public/diseases/middle-east-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus-

¹ 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.