Saudi Arabia has announced that the meningitis vaccine will be mandatory for all pilgrims participating in Hajj 2025.
According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, both Saudi citizens and foreign pilgrims must receive the vaccination, and without it, individuals will not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage.
The Ministry further clarified that Hajj packages and registration will not be processed for those who have not received the vaccine.
This decision comes in response to the need to prevent the spread of infectious diseases during Hajj. The Ministry stressed that controlling the transmission of contagious diseases has become a crucial requirement for the safety of all pilgrims.
In January, the Saudi Ministry of Health had already issued health guidelines for Umrah pilgrims, which included mandatory vaccinations and precautionary measures.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) also issued a notification requiring pilgrims to carry necessary health documents, including vaccination certificates.
Earlier, Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain announced a reduction in Hajj package costs.
The 40-day Hajj package price has been lowered by Rs25,000, bringing it to Rs1,050,000, with a third installment of Rs450,000.
The 25-day short Hajj package saw a Rs50,000 reduction, now priced at Rs1,100,000, with a third installment of Rs500,000.
Pilgrims must submit the third installment between February 6 and 14.
Additionally, over Rs4.75 billion will be refunded to Hajj pilgrims from 2024. The refunds, based on factors like accommodation and airfare, will be distributed in seven categories, ranging from Rs20,000 to Rs140,000.
The refunds will be processed through designated bank branches starting within two days.
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