This year (2026) the Islamic pilgrimage (Hajj) is scheduled to begin on May 25, and it is the largest religious gathering in the world, attracting over several million believers each year. Because of the massive crowds, pilgrims may be exposed to infectious disease risks. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as the CDC) reminds people planning to travel to the area to pay attention to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (hereafter referred to as Saudi Arabia) vaccination regulations, and to consult a travel medicine clinic 2 to 4 weeks before departure for relevant precautions.
Travelers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, Umrah, or seasonal workers in the pilgrimage area should note the following items:
1. The Saudi government requires Hajj and Umrah participants to receive the quadrivalent (A, C, W135, Y) meningococcal vaccine and to present an International Certificate of Vaccination (the Yellow Card). The vaccination certificate becomes valid 10 days after administration, and the quadrivalent conjugate vaccine provides protection for 5 years; travelers aged 12 and above are required to be vaccinated against COVID‑19, and it is also recommended that all persons traveling to the pilgrimage area receive the seasonal influenza vaccine. In addition, as the global measles outbreak continues, the CDC advises the public to consider self‑pay vaccination with the MMR vaccine.
2. Saudi Arabia is classified as a “Level 1: Watch” country for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS‑CoV) travel risk. The CDC specifically urges travelers to avoid contact with camels or consuming raw camel milk.
3. While staying in the area, pay attention to personal food hygiene and hand cleanliness; wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated places, and avoid close contact with travelers who have respiratory symptoms. It is also recommended to take mosquito‑prevention measures, such as wearing light‑colored long‑sleeved clothing and using insect repellents approved by government agencies that contain effective ingredients like DEET, Picaridin, or IR‑3535.
The CDC urges that upon arrival in Taiwan, if you have fever, cough, or other suspected symptoms, you should proactively inform airport quarantine personnel; if any discomfort occurs within 21 days after returning, seek medical attention promptly and inform the physician of your travel and exposure history for timely diagnosis and treatment. Relevant information can be found on the CDC’s global website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw), or call the toll‑free epidemic‑prevention hotline 1922 (0800-001922) for inquiries.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled by: Infection Control Office
