The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a more stringent health advisory for those planning to undertake the annual Haj pilgrimage in 2025. It advises that only those who are healthy and physically fit should perform the pilgrimage, given the demanding nature of the journey, which includes walking up to 25 kilometers a day in the intense summer heat of Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Ministry of Health has recommended that individuals who are elderly (over 65), have chronic conditions such as heart, kidney, or respiratory issues, diabetes, immune deficiencies, cancer, are terminally ill, pregnant, or children under 12 should consider postponing their Haj and Umrah pilgrimage this year. This recommendation is made with the safety of the pilgrims in mind, as these groups are more susceptible to health complications, especially given the challenging conditions of the pilgrimage.
Over 1,300 pilgrims reportedly died during this year's Haj due to extreme heat across Saudi Arabia and the holy city of Makkah. The deaths were attributed to "walking long distances under direct sunlight without adequate shelter or comfort." The fatalities included elderly individuals and those with chronic illnesses.
Temperatures reaching up to 51.8℃ posed significant challenges for the nearly two million people who gathered in Makkah for this year's Haj. Pilgrims described the experience as "extremely challenging," with reports of people fainting all around.
The Saudi health ministry has outlined several health requirements that visitors must meet to obtain an entry visa for Haj and Umrah. These include precautions against MERS-COV, requirements for yellow fever and meningococcal meningitis vaccinations, and recommendations for seasonal influenza vaccination. Additionally, Haj and Umrah performers are not permitted to bring fresh food into Saudi Arabia, with only properly canned or sealed food allowed in small quantities.
