Hajj 2026

Level 1 - Practise health precautions (more details)

Original publication date: April 7, 2026

Updated: April 7, 2026

Key points

Due to the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East, the Government of Canada currently advises Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia.
If you choose to travel:
- Be aware that your travel insurance policy maybe not cover you in Saudi Arabia due to the advisory in place.
- Expect large crowds; this can increase your risk of illness and injury.
- Reduce health risks by practising good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with sick people, and eating/drinking safely.
- Know where to access medical care and carry emergency contact information, including details for Canadian offices abroad.
If you feel sick during or after travel, wear a mask, limit contact with others, and notify health professionals about your symptoms and travel history.

Current situation

The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and one of the largest mass gatherings in the world. In 2026, it is expected to occur from May 24 to May 29.
Due to the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East, the Government of Canada currently advises Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia.
- The Government of Canada issues travel advice and advisories about conditions abroad to enable travellers to make their own informed decisions regarding their travel destinations, including assessing the security of their travel routes and ensuring that they meet the entry requirements of their destination. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
- Consult the Safety and security section of the Travel Advice and Advisories page for Saudi Arabia for up-to-date information on the security situation.
The Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular services to Canadians during an active conflict is limited, with priority given to the provision of essential services.

Learn more:
Travel advice and advisories for Saudi Arabia
Canada's response to the situation in the Middle East
Travel safety during Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages - Saudi Arabia
Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Recommendations

Before your trip

Talk to a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably about 6 weeks before your trip to get personalized health advice. Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it’s still worthwhile to make an appointment.

Discuss with the healthcare provider:

which pre-travel vaccines or medications may be right for you
whether your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Many require a booster as an adult
the medications you're currently taking or planning to bring with you

Each year, the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issues health requirements and guidelines for those wishing to participate in Hajj. Make sure you meet all requirements and can provide proof of all required vaccinations before leaving Canada.

Official Nusuk Hajj platform - Health guidelines

Before you leave and during your stay in Saudi Arabia, make sure to check the Travel Advice and Advisories page, the webpage on Canada’s response to the situation in the Middle East, and the current travel health notices for the most up-to-date information and advice.

Travel health notices
Travel advice and advisories for Saudi Arabia
Canada’s response to the situation in the Middle East

Pack a travel health kit and consider purchasing travel insurance. Be aware that many travel insurance policies will not cover you if you travel to a region where the Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory to avoid non-essential travel. This is the case for Saudi Arabia due to the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East. Check with your insurance provider for details.

Travel health kit
Trip interruption and travel health insurance

Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay connected with the Government of Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.

Registration of Canadians Abroad

Learn more:
Tips for healthy travel
Advice for older travellers

During your trip

Be prepared for emergencies

The risk of accidental injury increases in large crowds (e.g., stampedes).
If possible, avoid very crowded areas.
Know where to find medical care if needed.
Carry information about any existing medical conditions.
Follow the advice of local authorities, including any order to shelter in place.

The Government of Canada’s offices abroad can assist Canadian citizens in case of an emergency. Carry the contact information for the nearest Canadian office. The Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa is open 24/7.

Embassy of Canada to Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh
Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family in or around an area affected by the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East needing emergency assistance should contact:

me-mo.sos@international.gc.ca

Clean your hands regularly

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

This is especially important before eating and after using the washroom.
Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer with you when you travel.
If your hands are visibly dirty, you should wash them with soap and water instead of using hand sanitizer.

Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases

Protect yourself from person-to-person infections

Choose an officially licensed barber who uses only disposable, single-use blades.
Reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections by:
- staying away from others if you’re sick
- wearing a well-fitted mask, especially if you're not feeling well
- covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures

Protect yourself from insect bites

Insects can carry and spread diseases, such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. To protect yourself from bites:

use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Practise safe food, water, and animal precautions

Don’t eat raw or undercooked (rare) meat. Only eat foods that are well cooked and served hot.
Avoid unpasteurized dairy products such as raw camel milk.
Don’t drink camel urine.
Avoid close contact with camels.
If you must visit a farm or market, make sure you clean your hands before and after contact with animals.

Eat and drink safely abroad
Prevention of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)

Follow sun and heat safety tips

Heat-related illnesses and dehydration are common during the Hajj.
Plan activities to avoid peak heat times and seek shade where possible.
Make sure to stay hydrated and eat regularly.

Sun and heat safety tips for travellers

Abide by local laws

Visit the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories page for the most up-to-date information on laws and culture in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia – Laws and culture

Monitor your health

Tell the medical staff accompanying your group, or the local health services, if you:

develop flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath
have other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea

Learn more:
If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return

Returning to Canada

If you begin to feel sick during your travel back to Canada, you should:

put on a well-fitting respirator or mask, if possible
limit contact with other people, if possible
inform the flight attendant and/or a border services officer as soon as possible. You may be referred to a quarantine officer for a health assessment and further direction

If you begin to feel sick after you return to Canada, you should:

limit contact with other people
call a healthcare provider and notify them about your symptoms before an in-person appointment, so they can take proper precautions, if necessary
tell the healthcare provider where you have travelled