Health Requirements and Recommendations for Travelers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj - 1447H (2026)

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health requirements and recommendations will be in effect for travelers participating in Hajj 1447H (May 24 – May 29, 2026) and/or the 2026 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:  All pilgrims and seasonal workers must receive one of the following vaccines containing serogroups ACWY before travel:

1. Quadrivalent conjugate vaccine (ACYW) or pentavalent conjugate vaccine (ACWX7), valid for 5 years, administered at least 10 days before travel.
2. Quadrivalent polysaccharide vaccine (ACYW), valid for 3 years, administered at least 10 days before travel.

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:

1. Countries with wild poliovirus (WP1): Afghanistan, Pakistan.
2. Countries with vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV1): Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo.
3. Countries with cVDPV3: Guinea.
4. Countries with cVDPV2 detections: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, CAR, Chad, DRC, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Indonesia, Palestine, Yemen. At least one dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) or bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV). Applies to all travelers regardless of age or prior vaccination. 
5. At least one dose of IPV, or oral polio vaccine containing type 2 (including novel OPV2).

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: For travelers from countries where yellow fever is endemic (per WHO guidelines). Applies to travelers over 9 months of age.

1. Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, CAR, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda.
2. Americas: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela.

COVID-19 is a potentially serious respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus. It spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and close contact with infected individuals. Initial symptoms can include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, fatigue (feeling tired), headache, muscle aches, and loss of taste or smell. Severe symptoms may include difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, and complications such as pneumonia or organ failure. Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Required: Certain groups must prove immunity against COVID-19 by one of the following:

1. One updated dose for the 2025–2026 season.
2. Completion of primary series (two or more doses between 2021–2024).
3. Laboratory-confirmed recovery from COVID-19 during 2025.

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe complications, especially among vulnerable populations. Different countries have different transmission seasons. By getting vaccinated against seasonal influenza, you protect yourself and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. You're most likely to get hepatitis A from contaminated food or water. The virus is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause liver inflammation and affect your liver's ability to function. Symptoms include unusual tiredness and weakness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain or discomfort, clay- or gray-colored stool loss of appetite, fever, dark urine, joint pain, jaundice, and intense itching. Vaccination is highly recommended for travelers as it provides long-term protection against the disease.

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B is spread through blood and bodily fluids. For most people, hepatitis B is short term, also called acute. Acute hepatitis B lasts less than six months. But for others, the infection lasts more than six months and is called chronic. Chronic hepatitis B raises the risk of liver failure, liver cancer and serious scarring of the liver called cirrhosis. Vaccination is highly recommended for travelers as it provides lifelong protection against the disease.

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water. Once Salmonella Typhi bacteria are ingested, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream causing prolonged high fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhoea. Some people may have a rash. Severe cases may lead to serious complications or even death. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure for typhoid fever.

All routine vaccinations, including MMR, Tdap, and varicella should be up-to-date prior to travel.