Vaccinations are a non-negotiable part of Umrah preparation. This checklist covers every vaccination you need — mandatory, recommended, and situationally required — before travelling for Umrah from India.
Mandatory Vaccination
Meningococcal ACWY (Quadrivalent)
This is the only vaccination that is mandatory for the Umrah visa from India. Without it, your application will be rejected.
Checklist for your certificate:
- Vaccine type says "ACWY" or "quadrivalent" — not just "MenC" or "MenB"
- Certificate shows your full name (exactly as on your passport)
- Date of vaccination clearly shown
- Vaccine brand name included (e.g., Menveo, Nimenrix)
- Batch/lot number shown
- Administering clinic or hospital name and stamp
- Healthcare provider's signature
Validity: 3 years from the date of vaccination. If your certificate is older than 3 years, get a booster.
Cost in India: ₹1,500–₹2,500 at major hospitals and travel health clinics.
Where to get it:
- Apollo Hospitals (most cities)
- Fortis Healthcare centres
- Manipal Hospitals
- Aster Hospitals
- Government travel vaccination centres in major cities
Strongly Recommended Vaccinations
These are not mandatory for the visa but are strongly recommended by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health and the Indian medical community:
Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
- Get vaccinated within 2 weeks of travel
- Must be re-taken each season as the virus strain changes annually
- Particularly important: the Haram is one of the most crowded environments on earth during peak periods
Hepatitis A
- Two-dose series (Month 0 and Month 6–12)
- Provides long-term protection (20+ years after full series)
- Single dose still provides good short-term protection if you have not started the series
Hepatitis B
- Three-dose series (standard), or two-dose accelerated schedule
- Most Indians born after 1997 were vaccinated as infants — check your records
- If uncertain, a simple blood test can check for immunity before vaccination
Pneumococcal Vaccine
- Particularly important for:
- Pilgrims aged 65 and older
- Those with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions
- Smokers
Situational Vaccination Requirements
COVID-19
Saudi Arabia's COVID-19 entry requirements have changed multiple times. Check the current Saudi Ministry of Health or your airline's website for the latest requirements before your trip.
Polio
Saudi Arabia has occasionally required polio vaccination proof from travellers from countries with active cases. India's polio-free status has generally removed this requirement for Indian pilgrims, but check current requirements before applying.
Vaccination Timing Guide
| Vaccine | Minimum lead time before travel | |---------|--------------------------------| | Meningococcal ACWY | Can be given any time — ideally 2+ weeks before | | Influenza | 2 weeks before travel | | Hepatitis A (single dose) | At least 2 weeks before, ideally 4+ weeks | | Hepatitis A (full series) | Months 0 and 6–12 | | Hepatitis B (3-dose) | Months 0, 1, and 6 |
After Getting Vaccinated
- Request your certificate in English (or with an English translation)
- Verify all required fields are filled in before leaving the clinic
- Keep the original certificate safe — you need it for every Umrah trip
- Make a digital scan/photo of the certificate immediately as a backup
Download this checklist as a PDF to bring to your vaccination appointment.