07/02/2025
𝕸𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖆𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞 𝖛𝖆𝖈𝖈𝖎𝖓𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖆𝖑𝖑 𝖙𝖗𝖆𝖛𝖊𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖗𝖘 from February 2025
From 1st February 2025A new vaccination requirement will be introduced for all travellers to Saudi Arabia, whether they are pilgrims for theUmrah or the Hajj or ordinary visitors. This measure, which requires the presentation of a certificate of vaccination against meningitis for anyone aged two and over, is designed to ensure public health during large religious gatherings. It is therefore essential to prepare properly and familiarise yourself with the requirements so that you can travel with complete peace of mind.
As of 1 February 2025, Saudi Arabia is introducing a compulsory vaccination for all travellers, including pilgrims making the Umrah or Hajj. The presentation of a vaccination certificate against meningitis will be required for everyone aged two and over. The aim of this measure is to guarantee health safety and prevent the spread of infectious diseases during religious gatherings.
𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱:
The vaccine required is Tetravalent meningococcal (ACYW135)which must be administered at least 10 days before departure for Saudi Arabia. This requirement applies not only to pilgrims, but also to all travellers entering Saudi Arabia on tourist or business visas. This decision is motivated by the concern to protect the health of all during large gatherings where the risk of disease transmission is increased.
Travel agencies have a crucial role to play in preparing travellers. They must quickly adapt to this new requirement and inform customers about health regulations in force. From 1 February 2025, it will be imperative for anyone planning to travel to Saudi Arabia to ensure that they are in compliance with the vaccination against meningococcus.
Recommendations for travellers
Travellers are advised to take certain preventive measures before their departure:
Consult your GP to discuss vaccination.
Check the availability of the vaccine in their country of origin.
Obtain an international vaccination certificate.
Plan vaccination well in advance, at least 10 days before travel.
Specific measures for certain countries
Additional precautions will be taken for travellers from high-risk countries. For example, those coming from African countries in the "meningitis circle will be able to benefit from additional preventive treatment on arrival. In addition, nationals of certain countries such as Pakistan, Syria or Yemen will be required to provide a certificate of vaccination against polioA second dose will be administered on arrival in Saudi Arabia.
The importance of health preparation for pilgrimages
The introduction of this compulsory vaccination requirement highlights the importance of the health preparation for international travel, especially for pilgrimages which bring together millions of people every year. The aim of these regulations is to protect the health of pilgrims and local populations, and to minimise the risk of communicable diseases spreading.
Additional resources and information
Travellers can find out about compulsory and recommended vaccinations on the Saudi Ministry of Health website. This will give them access to precise, up-to-date details of the health requirements in force when they travel.
Compulsory vaccinations for Umrah and pilgrimages
Elements Details
Start of obligation From 1 February 2025
Vaccine required Tetravalent meningococcal (ACYW135)
Age concerned All travellers from two years
Vaccination deadline Must be carried out at least 10 days before the trip
Visas concerned Applicable to all types of visa: tourism, business, pilgrimage
Required documents International vaccination certificate
Measures for countries at risk Preventive treatment on arrival for certain countries
Other vaccines Certificate of vaccination against polio for certain countries
Vaccine validity The vaccine is valid for 3 years
