Umrah Travel Reopens, Tips For Preparing Health Before Departing

JAKARTA - The departure of Umrah pilgrims from Indonesia has shown a high trend since the beginning of 2025. This was expressed directly by Dr. dr. Endy M. Astiwara, MA, FIIS, CRGP, CPLHI., from the Association of Muslim Hajj and Umrah Organizers of the Republic of Indonesia (AMPHURI).

"The first quarter departure began in early January 2025 with details, 218,964 people took Umrah in January, 217,268 in February and 110,890 in March," said dr. Endy, when met in the Gondangdia area, Jakarta on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

"This figure is relatively high, considering that at that time it was still the beginning of the year and had not yet entered the peak season of Umrah which occurred much at the end of the year," he added.

Dr. Endy emphasized that in this number, there are a large number of elderly pilgrims who have special needs, especially from the health aspect.

Every year the handling of elderly pilgrims is a challenge in itself, especially in the health aspect, given the condition of those who are vulnerable. Therefore, spiritual and physical readiness must be prepared in a balanced manner," he explained.

One of the main issues raised by Dr. Endy is the risk of transmission of respiratory tract infections, especially the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).

"For prospective pilgrims, the RSV vaccine is recommended due to the high risk of transmission in crowded environments such as during Umrah worship," he said.

"Because RSV is considered to have a high urgency, vaccination of RSV has become a national immunization program in Saudi Arabia for the elderly population," he continued.

Meanwhile, Dr. Calvin Kwan, Country Medical Director of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Indonesia, emphasized the importance of a preventive approach to the health of the congregation. In addition, Dr. Calvin also reminded pilgrims who want to travel for Hajj or Umrah.

"Travels, such as Umrah, often involve close contact with millions of people from various parts of the world, thereby increasing the risk of disease transmission, one of which is RSV. Therefore, we encourage the public to make careful health preparations, including through appropriate vaccinations, so that worship can be carried out calmly and safely," he said.

As part of efforts to improve health readiness, Dr. Endy provides several important tips that can be used as guides by prospective pilgrims.

1. Check Health Before Departure

"Do a maximum health check 4 weeks before leaving for the Holy Land to find out the body's readiness," said Dr. Endy.

If health problems are found, he suggests that the congregation get treatment first to ensure that worship is not disturbed.

2. Discuss Vaccination with a Doctor

According to him, extreme weather, crowds, and length of worship time allow the spread of high disease, especially diseases that are transmitted by air.

"The corresponding vaccinations, including for RSV, influenza, and meningitis, are highly recommended," said Dr. Endy.

3. Bring Personal Drugs For Adequate

Dr. Endy said that if you have to take certain drugs during the pilgrimage or Umrah trip, make sure the amount of medicine is sufficient until you return home.

4. Complete Important Documents

He also reminded the importance of carrying important documents such as passports, visas, vaccine certificates, and others in one special bag to make it easy to find when needed.