Vaccinated Pilgrims Depart for Saudi Arabia

After three years of restricting the number of Hajj pilgrims due to the global pandemic, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has empowered Hajj 2023 to return to full capacity.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Tweeted on June 19, 2023, 'We are happy and proud to serve the pilgrims of the Holy House of Allah.'

The annual Hajj pilgrimage, which usually attracts about two million people, will occur between June 26 and July 1, 2023, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

As of June 18, 2023, the Saudi Press Agency reported the number of pilgrims who have arrived in Madinah is 718,030 pilgrims of several nationalities.

Pilgrims are provided with a range of requirements and standard recommendations, including vaccinations for COVID-19, meningococcal, polio, and Yellow fever, depending on where they travel from mpox and influenza, says Health Canada.

And according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, returning travelers from the Hajj should seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms suggestive of any infection.

The U.S. Department of State confirms those wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or to perform Umrah should review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations to ensure they are fully vaccinated before travel.