Vaccination Requirements

Know the health criteria and suggestions for your 2024 Umrah trip to Saudi Arabia.

1- COVID-19 Vaccination

In light of the worldwide epidemic of COVID-19, the government of Saudi Arabia has taken many precautions. Among these precautions is the need that all Umrah pilgrims be up-to-date on their vaccinations against the deadly COVID-19 virus. The necessary vaccination requirements for Umrah are as follows:

COVID-19 Vaccination

Before doing Umrah in Saudi Arabia, all visitors are required to be completely vaccinated against the virus, also known as COVID-19. To comply, you should get the full series of authorised vaccination at least two weeks before entering the country.

Approved Vaccines

Pfizer-vaccine, BioNTech as well as Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson, are among those that have been given the go-light by the Saudi Arabian government to combat the spread of COVID-19. You should double-check with the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in your own country to see whether they recognise the vaccination you got.

Proof of Vaccination

Umrah visa applicants must provide documentation of having had the COVID-19 vaccine. An electronic vaccine passport or paper proof of immunisation may work. Vaccination documentation may also be requested of you upon entry to Saudi Arabia.

Other Health Measures

Pilgrims must take additional preventative health precautions, such as being vaccinated, washing their hands often, and using face masks, to stop the spread of COVID-19.

2- Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination

The meningococcal meningitis vaccine is a requirement for Umrah, in addition to the COVID-19 vaccination. This regulation is in place to safeguard the health of all those in Saudi Arabia, including pilgrims who may get the sickness there.
Inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord is caused by meningococcal meningitis, a bacterial infection. Coughing, sneezing, and even kissing may transmit it because of the fluids produced in the nose and throat. The infection may progress to a critical stage, causing permanent brain damage, deafness, or even death.
The Saudi Arabian authorities require that all Umrah pilgrims obtain the meningococcal meningitis vaccination at least 10 days prior to their arrival in the country in hopes of avoiding the transmission of meningococcal meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis vaccinations approved for use in Saudi Arabia include:

Quadrivalent (ACYW) Polysaccharide Vaccine

There are four types of meningococcal meningitis, and this vaccination protects against all of them: types A, C, W, and Y. Vaccination within the recent three years is allowed.

Quadrivalent (ACYW) Conjugate Vaccine

The same four meningococcal meningitis strains (A, C, W, and Y) are protected by this vaccination. If it happened within the previous 5 years, the vaccination counts.

3- Poliomyelitis Vaccination

The Saudi Arabian government mandates that all Umrah visitors provide proof of polio vaccination because of the high possibility of transmission in crowded settings.
It is generally agreed that the polio vaccination, when given in a series, is both safe and efficacious. The majority of individuals will have already got this vaccination in childhood, however, it is still necessary to double-check that you are up to date before visiting Saudi Arabia.
The age of the person and their vaccination history determine the polio vaccine needs. Any traveller over 2 years old should have had at least one dosage of the polio vaccination within the previous 12 months.
Those without a full vaccination history may need a course of two or three injections. Vaccination schedules vary from one person to the next based on factors including age and immunisation history.
Note that visitors to Saudi Arabia must provide confirmation of polio immunisation upon entry. A valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICV or ICVP), which must contain proof of polio vaccination, is required of all international travellers. If this documentation is missing, you may be refused entry to the country.

4- Yellow Fever Vaccination

In certain places of the world, mosquitoes transfer a dangerous virus that causes a fever and other symptoms. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage.
Being vaccinated against yellow fever is a certain method to stay healthy. Once you get the vaccination, you won't have to worry about yellow fever again. Before making the journey to KSA for Umrah, it is advised that the vaccination be administered at least 10 days beforehand.
After being vaccinated, travellers will get an ICVP, or International Certification of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, which may be presented to authorities as evidence of immunity.
A yellow fever vaccine is only necessary for those departing from a country where the illness is prevalent. Countries throughout South America, even sections of Central America, and Africa fall within this category. See your doctor or local tour clinic if you have doubts about whether or not you need the vaccination.
In order to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah, visitors must provide an International Certificate of Vaccination Status (ICVP) as confirmation that they have been vaccinated against yellow fever.

5- Seasonal Influenza Vaccination- Also Recommended

All visitors to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against the seasonal flu. The flu is an infectious respiratory ailment caused by the influenza virus. In addition, the flu may produce symptoms ranging from mild to severe, and in the worst cases can even be fatal.
The spread of influenza is worsened by the enormous number of people in close proximity during the Umrah time, which draws millions of Muslims from all over the world. Hence, the Saudi Arabian Health Ministry recommends that everyone travelling to the kingdom be vaccinated against seasonal flu.
Getting the flu vaccination is a certain method to avoid becoming sick. The vaccination should be given at least 2 weeks before departure to give the body time to acquire protection. Children, the aged, pregnant ladies, and those with certain medical problems are particularly at risk for flu-related complications and should get the vaccination.
Getting the flu shot is only one of several preventative precautions that travellers may take. Good hand washing, keeping your distance from others who are ill and covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough are all effective measures.