How to plan your Hajj 2025 journey from UAE: Permits, vaccinations and key travel requirements explained

Abu Dhabi: Hajj is one of the most significant religious obligations in Islam, bringing together millions of Muslims from across the world every year. Due to the sheer scale of this gathering, public health and disease prevention become matters of utmost importance. Hajj vaccinations are a vital component of the preventive measures that help protect pilgrims from infectious diseases and ensure their safety throughout the pilgrimage.

Speaking to Gulf News, Mohammed Khaloof, Director of the Al-Ridwan Hajj and Umrah Campaign, stated: “We are dealing with two categories of pilgrims – UAE nationals and residents of other nationalities living in the UAE. The allocated quota for Emirati citizens is 6,228 pilgrims (male and female). The Hajj process involves two preliminary stages: registration, which took place in late November and early December 2024 and was announced by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (GAIAE) through official digital platforms; and completion of registration, during which pilgrims select a licensed Hajj campaign under GAIAE’s supervision to proceed with their journey.

Pilgrims must ensure the following documents are in order:

A valid Hajj permit

A passport valid for at least six months

A return travel ticket

Vaccination certificates

Mohammed Khaloof thanked the official authorities for their efforts to serve the pilgrims and said:

“The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments assists pilgrims at every step to ensure all procedures are smoothly completed. Accompanying committees, such as the Fatwa Committee, Medical Committee, and the Supervision Committee for UAE Hajj Camps, also support the mission.”

The GAIAE organises the official Hajj delegation of the UAE, oversees the affairs of Emirati pilgrims, and provides them with the highest standard of services to enable them to perform the Hajj rituals with ease and peace of mind.

The main services offered by the delegation include religious guidance, free healthcare services, emergency response, and quality inspections of pilgrims’ accommodation in Makkah, Madinah, Mina, and Arafat.

Regarding non-Emirati pilgrims, Khaloof explained:

“According to a directive issued by GAIAE and based on instructions from the Ministry of Hajj in Saudi Arabia, the issuance of Hajj permits has been limited to UAE citizens since the 2017–2018 season.
Therefore, expatriates residing in the UAE are required to perform Hajj from their home countries.”

It is worth noting that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj has launched the Nusuk platform and mobile app, enabling expatriates residing in GCC countries to register and apply for a Hajj permit. The process involves uploading a copy of the passport, a personal photograph, and completing the required personal information. Once approved, the applicant is required to submit proof of vaccination (meningococcal and seasonal influenza vaccines).

Vaccinations are highly essential for all pilgrims, as they help prevent numerous infectious diseases that can spread easily due to overcrowding. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Saudi Ministry of Health emphasise the importance of vaccinations to ensure a safe and epidemic-free Hajj season.

Highlighting the importance of vaccinations, the Emirates Health Services (EHS) has urged all intending pilgrims for the 1446H / 2025 season to receive the required and recommended vaccines in a timely manner and to adhere to preventive health measures that significantly reduce health risks during the pilgrimage.

EHS has designated 52 health centres across six emirates – from Dubai to Fujairah – to provide vaccinations for pilgrims this year. These centres will also conduct the necessary medical assessments to ensure individuals are fit for the pilgrimage, particularly those with chronic illnesses, to help ensure a safe and healthy journey.

EHS has specified that the required vaccines for all pilgrims are:

Meningococcal vaccine

Seasonal influenza vaccine

COVID-19 vaccine (for high-risk groups only), including:

Older adults (aged 56 and above)

Individuals with chronic heart disease

Pregnant women

People with congenital or medically induced immune deficiencies (e.g. due to immunosuppressive therapy or cancer)

Patients with kidney failure

Individuals with chronic respiratory or neurological conditions

People with hereditary blood disorders such as sickle cell anaemia and Thalassemia

In addition to the above, EHS recommends:

COVID-19 vaccine for all pilgrims

Pneumococcal vaccine for those aged 65 and above, or for individuals aged 19+ with chronic medical conditions

EHS advises that all required vaccinations should be administered at least 10 days before travel to allow the body time to build immunity. Vaccination and preventive measures taken prior to Hajj play a critical role in minimising health risks during the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims are required to present a certificate confirming they have received the necessary vaccinations. This certificate must be issued no more than three years prior and at least ten days before their arrival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

These vaccinations must be obtained from health centres accredited by the Ministry of Health or its affiliated bodies. Pilgrims are also provided with a set of health guidelines as part of the pre-Hajj preparations.