Quick answer: Hajj preparation starts with Lembaga Tabung Haji: after you receive the offer letter, you must pass a health screening before accepting the offer, then get the vaccines Saudi Arabia requires before submitting your passport. Beyond that, attend the hajj course, build fitness for the heat, and prepare documents and medication. Requirements change every season, so follow the latest Tabung Haji announcements.
Receiving a hajj offer letter is a moment many people wait years for. After that, a lot needs to be sorted in a short time. This guide sets out the practical steps: dealing with Tabung Haji, health and vaccines, fitness, documents, packing, and food. The information here is based on official sources we checked on 31/10/2026.
MakanHubb is a food company, not a religious authority. For the pillars, obligations, intentions and how to perform the rites, refer to the hajj course by Lembaga Tabung Haji, JAKIM or your religious guide.
Hajj preparation starts with Tabung Haji
Register and wait for your turn
Malaysian pilgrims register through Tabung Haji, either for the muassasah route or through a licensed hajj operator (PJH). Keep the personal details in your TH account up to date so the offer letter reaches you.
Offer letter and reply period
According to the Tabung Haji FAQ for the 1446H season, offer letters are sent through THiJARI, email or SMS. Prospective pilgrims can take the health screening as soon as they receive the offer, and must pass before the reply deadline. Vaccinations must be done before passport submission. Check the exact dates in your own offer letter.
Health side of hajj preparation
Health screening
According to the Tabung Haji health screening page, the screening includes a physical exam, blood tests and other tests if needed. It must be done by a registered medical officer, and the results are recorded in the system. The list of facilities is on the TH website and in the MySejahtera app. Bring your IC and a copy of the offer letter.
Saudi health conditions
For the 1447H season, Tabung Haji announced stricter health conditions set by Saudi Arabia, as reported by The Star (21/10/2025). Pilgrims must be free of infectious disease and of serious or uncontrolled chronic illness, and able to perform the rites on their own. Conditions that make a pilgrim ineligible include chronic kidney or heart failure, chronic lung or liver disease, cognitive or motor impairment, high-risk pregnancy, active infection and cancer under treatment. Conditions for later seasons may change, so wait for TH’s announcement.
Vaccines for hajj pilgrims
The 1447H hajj health requirements from the Saudi Ministry of Health state:
| Vaccine | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meningococcal ACYW | Required for all | Conjugate within the last 5 years or polysaccharide within the last 3 years, at least 10 days before arrival |
| COVID-19 | Required for certain groups | Proof of vaccination or immunity |
| Seasonal influenza | Recommended by Saudi Arabia | For 1446H, TH made it compulsory for those 65 and above and at high risk |
The document also says a certificate that does not state the meningococcal vaccine type is only treated as valid for 3 years. For the 1446H season, TH also listed pneumococcal as recommended. Follow the vaccine list TH announces for your season, and check with your clinic.
Hajj course and religious knowledge
Attend the hajj course run by Tabung Haji or your PJH early. The course covers how to perform the rites, the journey and the rules in the Holy Land. For any question on rulings, ask the course speaker or JAKIM, not social media.
Hajj preparation for fitness and weather
Hajj involves a lot of walking, crowds and hot weather. The Hijri calendar moves about 11 days earlier each year, and the next few hajj seasons fall in hot months in Saudi Arabia. TH has also advised prospective pilgrims to prepare physically for a long stay in hot and dusty conditions.
- Start walking every day a few months before departure, and add distance bit by bit.
- Practise walking in the sandals or shoes you plan to bring.
- The Saudi document advises older pilgrims to avoid direct sun and drink enough fluids.
- If you take medicine such as diuretics, ask your doctor whether the dose should change.
Documents, money and packing
Keep your passport, TH documents, vaccine certificate and health card in a small bag you always carry. People with chronic illness are advised to bring medical documents and enough medication in its original packaging. Bring some riyal for daily needs and stay within the baggage limits set for you. For a full list of items, see our umrah packing list, since many of the same items are needed.
Food during hajj
Muassasah pilgrims do not need to worry about main meals. According to Berita RTM (18/05/2026), Tabung Haji uses seven main kitchens in Makkah and Madinah with cooks from Malaysia, and offered 52 menus in the 1447H season. PJH pilgrims should check what their own package includes.
Bring a little back-up food
There are times when a small stash helps, such as travel days, late nights, or when your appetite drops. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) guidance for pilgrims allows food if it is labelled, has an expiry date, is in proper food packaging and is not in commercial quantities. Food containing alcohol or pork fat is banned. We did not find specific Tabung Haji guidance on food in luggage, so follow any instructions from TH or your PJH.
Meat dishes, including retort dishes in pouches, are not recommended for Saudi Arabia because the SFDA prohibited list also names meat products. If you want a small back-up, choose meat-free items such as packed white rice and put them in checked luggage, because each pouch is over 100 ml. Bring only a little, because luggage space is better used for medicine and clothes. See also bringing food to Saudi Arabia and food on a plane.
Hajj preparation tips
- Reply to the offer letter and finish the health screening before the deadline.
- Get vaccinated early and keep the certificate with your passport.
- Start walking practice at least a few months before departure.
- Attend the hajj course and write down questions for the speaker.
- Keep checking official TH announcements, because requirements can change each season.
For umrah, read our guides on umrah preparation, the umrah vaccine and how many days for umrah.
FAQ about hajj preparation
When should I do the hajj health screening?
For the 1446H season, TH said as soon as you receive the offer letter, and you must pass before the reply deadline.
Which vaccines are required for hajj?
Meningococcal ACYW is required for all pilgrims. COVID-19 is required for certain groups, and TH has made influenza compulsory for those 65 and above and at high risk. Follow TH’s list for your season.
Is everyone medically eligible for hajj?
No. For 1447H, Saudi Arabia excluded pilgrims with certain serious chronic illnesses, active infectious disease and high-risk pregnancy. The panel doctor will assess you.
Do I need to bring a lot of food for hajj?
No. Muassasah pilgrims are given meals by TH. A small meat-free back-up stash is enough.
Where can I learn how to perform the hajj rites?
Through the hajj course run by Tabung Haji or a licensed PJH, and JAKIM references.
Still have questions?
WhatsApp the MakanHubb team at 012-540 0263. We reply during office hours, Monday to Friday.
