Planning Hajj or Umrah? Hajj 2027 (1448 AH) is expected to take place in mid-May 2027, with the Day of Arafah around Saturday 15 May and Eid al-Adha around Sunday 16 May. Saudi Arabia requires proof of meningococcal ACWY vaccination, given at least 10 days before you arrive. Book your vaccine early, especially before the busy Ramadan and Hajj seasons.
Expected Key Dates
Islamic dates follow the lunar calendar and are confirmed by moon sighting, so the dates below may move by a day or two. Always confirm with your Hajj or Umrah operator.
- Ramadan 2027 (Umrah peak season): expected to begin around Monday 8 February 2027 and end around Monday 8 March 2027.
- Hajj 2027 (1448 AH): expected to begin around Friday 14 May 2027.
- Day of Arafah: around Saturday 15 May 2027.
- Eid al-Adha: around Sunday 16 May 2027.
When to Book Your Vaccinations
- Meningitis ACWY (required): must be given at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia, for everyone aged 1 year and over. A conjugate vaccine certificate is accepted for 5 years and a polysaccharide vaccine for 3 years. If your certificate does not state the vaccine type, it is treated as valid for 3 years.
- Flu (recommended): Saudi authorities recommend flu vaccination. Flu vaccine can be hard to obtain in late spring and summer, so if you are going on Hajj in May 2027 it is best to have it during the UK flu season this winter.
- Hepatitis B (recommended): advised because of the risk from unlicensed barbers during head shaving. It is a course of doses, so start early, and take your own disposable razor.
- Routine UK vaccines: make sure MMR, tetanus and polio are up to date.
UK pilgrims travelling directly from the UK do not normally need polio or yellow fever certificates, but you may if you are travelling via a country where these diseases are present. As an accredited Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre (centre no. UKYFVC9726), we can advise and vaccinate if needed.
For full details, see our Hajj and Umrah travel health guide and Meningitis ACWY vaccination page.
Staying Well During Pilgrimage
Daytime temperatures can exceed 30°C even in winter, so drink plenty of fluids, rest in the shade and ask us to review any medicines that affect hydration. Avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk because of MERS. If you develop a fever, cough or breathlessness within 14 days of returning, contact your GP or NHS 111 and mention your travel.
Travelling with a heart condition?
Hajj and Umrah involve long flights, heat and a lot of walking. If you’ve had a heart attack, stent, heart surgery, a pacemaker or ICD, or have heart failure or AF, it’s worth checking you’re fit to travel before you go. Your airline or travel insurer may ask for a fit-to-fly letter. Our partner service, Heart Fit to Fly, provides letters from a consultant cardiologist, online and UK-wide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I have my meningitis ACWY vaccine?
A conjugate vaccine certificate is accepted for 5 years, so you can have it well in advance. It must be at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
Do children need the vaccine for Umrah?
Yes, Saudi requirements apply to everyone aged 1 year and over. Bring your children’s vaccination records to the appointment.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes. We provide a signed and stamped record with your full name and vaccine details for your visa application.
Sources and Further Reading
Clinically reviewed by Dr Aftab Gill, Berkeley Travel Clinic. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. This information is general guidance and does not replace individual clinical assessment; book a travel health consultation for personalised advice.
