Umrah Health Requirements in Ramadan 2025: The Complete Guide for Pilgrims from Pakistan

Performing Umrah in Ramadan is spiritually rewarding and also the most crowded period of the year. This guide explains the latest health requirements, smart Ramadan-specific tips, and how Malik Express Travel & Tours can arrange your vaccinations, insurance, appointments, and compliant documentation so you travel with confidence.

Last verified: November 5, 2025. Health rules can change; always check the latest official guidance before departure. We’ve cited up-to-date sources throughout.

1) Mandatory vaccinations and documents for Umrah (2025)

a) Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) - Mandatory

Who: All pilgrims ≥1 year old.

Timing: Taken ≥10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Validity: 3 to 5 years depending on vaccine type (polysaccharide vs. conjugate). Keep your stamped certificate handy for immigration.

b) Polio (IPV/OPV): Mandatory for travellers from polio-affected or at-risk countries

Pakistan travellers are typically asked for proof of recent polio vaccination per Saudi MOH and international guidance. Carry an International Certificate of Vaccination showing date and batch number.

c) Yellow fever: Mandatory if arriving from/through endemic areas

If you’ve transited or originated from a yellow-fever endemic country, proof of vaccination is required on arrival.

d) Seasonal influenza: Strongly recommended

Crowds + air-conditioned spaces mean flu spreads easily during Ramadan. Saudi MOH and public-health agencies encourage current-season flu vaccination before travel.

e) COVID-19: Recommended per Saudi/WHO guidance

While not consistently mandated in 2025, authorities continue to recommend up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination/boosters for pilgrims.

 

2) Health insurance is mandatory with the visa

Saudi authorities require approved health insurance for Umrah performers; it is linked to your visa and used for care at approved facilities if needed. Ensure your policy number appears on your visa record.

How Malik Express helps: We arrange MOH-compliant insurance bundled with your Umrah file and provide a claim-how-to sheet with emergency contacts you can keep on your phone.

 

3) Nusuk platform, permits, and what changed in 2025

Nusuk is the official digital platform for Umrah services, guidance, and health tips. Use it to manage appointments and stay current on advisories.

In 2025, Saudi authorities tightened travel organization. News updates indicate pre-booking of hotels and transport through approved channels (often via Nusuk) is now required before visa approval in many cases. Work with licensed agents to comply and avoid rejections.

How Malik Express helps: We secure Nusuk-compliant hotel and transport bookings, upload confirmations, and coordinate your Umrah permit slots so your paperwork and timings align during Ramadan crowds.

 

4) Ramadan-specific health tips for a safe, comfortable Umrah

• Hydration and fasting

Plan Tawaf and Sa’i after Asr or late night to minimize heat stress while fasting. Rehydrate thoroughly at Iftar and Suhoor; add oral rehydration salts if you’re prone to cramps or dizziness.

• Heat, crowding, and respiratory protection

Wear light, breathable fabrics; take frequent shade breaks. In crowded areas, consider a well-fitting mask if you have chronic conditions or are immune compromised; flu and other respiratory viruses spread readily during mass gatherings.

• Medication & medical documentation

Carry a 7–10 day buffer of prescription medicines in original packaging, plus a doctor’s summary for diabetes, cardiac, or respiratory conditions. Keep a basic first-aid kit: pain reliever, ORS, motion-sickness tablets, antiseptic, plasters, emollient for skin chafing. Guidance from Saudi MOH and public-health bodies emphasizes preparing for chronic conditions.

• High-risk pilgrims (elderly, chronic disease, pregnant)

Consult your doctor before travel; obtain a fitness-to-travel note if needed. Plan shorter circuits, rest between rituals, and use wheelchair services if advised. Official guidance highlights risk stratification during mass gatherings.

• Food and hygiene

Choose reputable outlets, consume freshly prepared food, wash or sanitize hands before eating, and avoid sharing personal items. These are part of Saudi MOH’s core hygiene recommendations for Umrah/Hajj visitors.

 

5) Documents checklist before you fly

• Passport valid 6+ months
• MenACWY certificate (and polio if required; yellow fever where applicable)
• Health insurance certificate/number linked to visa
• Confirmed hotel and transport bookings (per 2025 process)
• Nusuk app installed; permit times aligned with your itinerary
• Return flight, vaccination booklets, and printed/scanned copies of all documents

 

6) Frequently asked questions (quick answers)

Q: Is MenACWY still mandatory in 2025?

Yes—proof is required for all Umrah pilgrims aged 1+ and must be taken ≥10 days before arrival. Valid 3–5 years depending on vaccine type.

Q: I am traveling from Pakistan. Is polio vaccine proof needed?

Yes, Pakistan travellers should carry a recent polio vaccination certificate according to Saudi MOH/International Health guidance.

Q: Do I need insurance?

Yes, health insurance is mandatory and is tied to your visa.

Q: What about flu or COVID-19 shots?

Not always mandated, but strongly recommended by Saudi/WHO for crowd settings like Ramadan Umrah.

Q: Are there new visa process steps in 2025?

News updates indicate hotel and transport pre-booking via approved channels (often Nusuk) before visa issuance; use licensed agents to ensure compliance.

 

7) How Malik Express Travel & Tours helps you perform Umrah in Ramadan

• Vaccine guidance & scheduling: We book your MenACWY and, where applicable, polio appointments, and help prepare your International Vaccination Certificate.
• Compliant insurance: We issue Saudi-approved health insurance and attach it to your visa file.
• Nusuk-ready itinerary: We secure Ramadan-peak hotel and transport that meet the 2025 process and align Umrah permit times with your daily fasting and prayer schedule.
• Pre-departure briefing: Medication checklist, hydration plan, crowd-management tips, and contact sheet for emergencies based on the latest MOH recommendations.
• End-to-end support from Islamabad: With 35+ years serving pilgrims, our Umrah consultants optimize routes, avoid rejected applications, and handle changes professionally.

 

8) Smart Planning for Ramadan Crowds: An Example Day Plan

• Suhoor: Hydrate, add electrolytes, take chronic meds as prescribed.
• Fajar-Dhuhr: Rest; short visits to Haram if you tolerate crowds.
• Asr-Maghrib: Perform Umrah rituals with breaks; avoid heat peaks.
• Iftar: Hydrate, light meal first, then a balanced plate; consider a fluids-first strategy before Taraweeh.
• Taraweeh-Late Night: Tawaf/Sa’i slots are often less congested; keep water and dates for energy.

These timings reflect best-practice crowd and heat avoidance during Ramadan.

 

9) Packing list for health and comfort

• Vaccination booklets, insurance card/number, prescription copies
• ORS sachets, analgesic, antihistamine, motion-sickness tablets, emollient
• Light breathable clothing, blister plasters, high-quality footwear
• Refillable bottle, small sunscreen, fragrance-free sanitizer, lip balm
• Portable prayer mat, compact umbrella, basic first-aid kit
• Preparedness is emphasized in official health guidance for pilgrims.

 

Ready to proceed?

Contact Malik Express Travel & Tours (Islamabad) to:

• Book MOH-compliant vaccinations and receive your stamped certificates
• Issue Saudi-approved health insurance
• Arrange Nusuk-compliant hotels, transport, and Umrah permits for Ramadan peak dates
• Get a personalized health and packing brief for your family

We will prepare your file end-to-end so you can focus on worship not paperwork.