King's Pharmacy
Travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj & Umrah 2023
Saudi Arabia is gearing up for the 2023 Hajj and Umrah season, expected to attract millions of pilgrims worldwide. The country has made tremendous efforts to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage, including infrastructure and facility upgrades.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway now connects Mecca and Medina, making travel between the two cities easier. The transportation network has been improved and airport capacity expanded. The Saudi government has updated the visa and entry requirements for pilgrims, making the process more convenient and accessible.
Pilgrims can now apply for visas electronically, eliminating the need to visit a Saudi embassy or consulate in person.
These revisions are a fraction of Saudi Arabia’s endeavour to render the Hajj and Umrah more attainable to pilgrims from every corner of the globe. The kingdom is steadfast in providing a secure and comfortable experience for all pilgrims and is striving to guarantee that the 2023 season is a triumph.
Are you ready to travel?
In 2022, there were 18 million international visitors to Saudi Arabia and in 2023 this will likely increase. The increase in visitors can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the easing of COVID-19 restrictions has made travel more accessible. Additionally, the launch of new tourist attractions has increased interest in the area. Furthermore, the government’s efforts to promote tourism have also played a role. However, it is important to note that a valid Hajj or Umrah visa is still required. You can apply for a visa online or through a Saudi embassy or consulate.
Once you have your visa, you will need to complete a health screening before you can travel. This screening will check for any health conditions that could make you unfit to travel.
If you are found to be unfit to travel, you will not be able to obtain a visa or complete the health screening.
It is important to note that the requirements for Hajj and Umrah are subject to change. It is always best to check with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj for the latest information.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises getting some routine vaccinations before travelling to Saudi Arabia. However, they are not often necessary. Some of these vaccines include COVID-19, yellow fever, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, rabies, polio, as well as tetanus. Check our previous blog on Hajj & Umrah for more detail about the vaccines required.
Stop by King’s Pharmacy in Birmingham to prepare for your 2023 trip to Saudi Arabia
Visit or book your appointment with King’s Pharmacy today to get your travel vaccines and ensure you stay safe throughout your trip.
This blog post was written on behalf of King’s Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.