All Umrah Pilgrims | Travellers to Saudi Arabia Must Get a Special Meningitis Vaccine From Feb 1

From 1st February 2025A new vaccination requirement will be introduced for all travellers to Saudi Arabia, whether they are pilgrims for the Umrah 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:

1. Consult your GP to discuss vaccination.
2. Check the availability of the vaccine in their country of origin.
3. Obtain an international vaccination certificate.
4. 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