HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR JOURNEY TO SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health requirements and recommendations will be in effect for travelers participating in Hajj 1445H (June 14-19, 2024) and/or the 2024-25 Umra season as follows:

Meningococcal meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord which causes swelling. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets. While the risk is generally low for most travelers, it may be recommended for certain individuals, such as those participating in large gatherings or visiting countries with increased incidence. It is an extremely serious infection and requires urgent hospital attention. Complications and death can happen very rapidly. The best way to prevent meningococcal disease is to get vaccinated. 

Required: Proof of meningococcal vaccination (issued at least 10 days but not > 5 years prior to arrival, with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine) for all travelers aged ≥ 1 year arriving for the purpose of Umra or Hajj pilgrimage or seasonal work in Hajj/Umra zones. The certificate must clearly state conjugate for 5-year validity to apply, otherwise it will only be considered valid for 3 years. Additionally, antibiotic chemoprophylaxis may be administered to certain travelers upon arrival if deemed necessary by port-of-entry officials.

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease that largely affects children under 5 years of age. The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (e.g. contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis. The best way to prevent polio disease is to get vaccinated. 

Required: Proof of vaccination (at least 1 dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine [IPV] or bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine [OPV]) given between 4 weeks and 1 year prior to arrival for travelers (regardless of age or previous vaccination status) arriving from the following countries reporting WPV1 or cVDVP1: Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Yemen.

Required: Proof of vaccination (at least 1 dose of IPV;OPV is acceptable if IPV is not available) given between 4 weeks and 1 year prior to arrival for travelers (regardless of age or previous vaccination status) arriving from the following countries reporting cVDPV2 or acute flaccid paralysis cases: Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Palestinian Territories, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Yemen, Zambia.

Required: Regardless of vaccination status, travelers from Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Yemen will also be given 1 dose of OPV upon arrival.

Recommended: Vaccination (at least 1 dose of IPV; OPV is acceptable if IPV is not available) for travelers arriving from the following countries reporting cVDPV2 positive environmental samples: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Cameron, Egypt, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sudan.

Yellow fever is a potentially life-threatening disease. It is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Initial symptoms can include fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, general body aches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (feeling tired), and weakness. Severe symptoms include high fever, yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), bleeding, shock, and organ failure. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure for yellow fever.

Required: Proof of yellow fever (YF) vaccination (valid for life) in accordance with international health regulations for all travelers aged > 9 months arriving from countries at risk of YF transmission or having transited an airport for longer than 12 hours in these countries. Vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to arrival at the border. Both new and existing certificates of vaccination are valid for the life of the person vaccinated. Find out more information here.

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory disease spread to people from infected camels. It can sometimes spread between people who are in close, unprotected contact. The symptoms of MERs ranges from no symptoms to mild respiratory symptoms to severe acute respiratory disease and death. A typical presentation of MERS is fever, cough and shortness of breath. Pneumonia is a common finding, but MERS patients may not always develop this condition. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhoea, have also been reported. Older people, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic diseases such as renal disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes appear to be at greater risk of developing severe disease.

Efforts to prevent MERS-CoV infection during Hajj/Umra have been implemented; no known MERS cases have ever been reported in Hajj pilgrims.

Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika: The Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits these diseases has not been detected in Hajj or Umra areas for years, although it is present in surrounding cities. Travelers should observe insect precautions such as use insect repellents, wear protective clothing, and stay in accommodations with air conditioning or screened windows.