Saudi Ministry of Health Umrah Hajj Requirements
Key Health Requirements for Traveling to Saudi Arabia
Vaccination Guidelines
Yellow Fever
- Entering Saudi Arabia: Required for travelers >9 months old from countries with yellow fever transmission. A lifetime-valid vaccination certificate is mandatory (exemption for airport transit under 12 hours).
- Exiting Saudi Arabia: Recommended for travelers to yellow fever-prone countries. Carry an International Certificate of Vaccination.
Poliomyelitis (Polio)
- Entering Saudi Arabia: Residents and visitors from polio-affected countries must receive bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) 4 weeks to 12 months before travel. For urgent travel, vaccination is required before departure.
- Exiting Saudi Arabia: Travelers to polio-affected areas should update vaccinations 4 weeks before departure and carry a valid International Certificate of Vaccination.
Meningococcal Meningitis
- Entering Saudi Arabia: Required for Umrah, Hajj, or seasonal workers >2 years old. Valid vaccines:
- Polysaccharide vaccine (3 years).
- Conjugate vaccine (5 years).
- Vaccination must occur at least 10 days before arrival.
Additional Health Tips
- Pre-Travel Vaccines: Consider vaccines for cholera, hepatitis, typhoid, rabies, and routine updates like influenza and MMR.
- Health Education: Stay informed about disease prevention and hygiene practices.
- Food Regulations: Only sealed, packaged food in small quantities is allowed.
Emergency Measures
Saudi authorities may implement additional precautions during international health emergencies in coordination with WHO.
Ensure compliance with these guidelines for a smooth and safe journey.