Mandatory Vaccinations before visiting Saudi Arabia
To protect public health and ensure the safety of travelers and residents, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has implemented vaccination requirements for all incoming travelers. Below are the key details:
Polio Vaccination
Who needs it?
Travelers arriving from polio-endemic countries or areas with ongoing transmission.
Required Action
Proof of vaccination with an Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) or Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) at least four weeks before travel.
Countries
Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, United republic Of Tanzania
Exceptions
- Infants under 6 months of age.
- Travelers with valid medical exemptions provided by recognized health authorities (a formal exemption certificate is required).
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Who needs it?
Travelers coming from or transiting through regions with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
Required Action
A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate issued at least 10 days before entry.
Countries
Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African, Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda
South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela.
Exceptions
- Infants under 9 months of age.
- Individuals with medical conditions that contraindicate the vaccine, provided they present an official exemption document from a licensed health practitioner.
Vaccinations for Umrah Pilgrims
Who needs it?
All individuals intending to perform Umrah, regardless of visa type.
Required Vaccines
- Meningococcal Vaccine (must be taken at least 10 days before arrival).
- Influenza Vaccine (especially recommended for high-risk groups such as elderly individuals, pregnant women, and children).
- COVID-19 Vaccine (as per the current Saudi health guidelines).
Exceptions
- Pregnant women unable to take live vaccines.
- Travelers with chronic illnesses or specific contraindications, provided they present valid medical documentation.
- Children under the age limit set for certain vaccines (e.g., COVID-19).
General Guidelines
- Documentation: Travelers must present valid vaccination certificates upon arrival at ports of entry in Saudi Arabia.
- Validity: Certificates must meet international standards and include vaccine batch numbers and administration dates.
- Non-compliance: Travelers without proper vaccination documentation may face delays or denial of entry.
Prepare for a Safe Journey
We are committed to safeguarding the health of all visitors and residents. Ensure your vaccinations are in order before traveling to Saudi Arabia. If you have questions or require additional information:
- Visit the Saudi Ministry of Health website.
- Contact your local health authority for vaccine eligibility and guidelines.