المملكة: It is mandatory to receive vaccines 10 days before Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Mosque

The Ministry of Health issued a number of health requirements and guidelines related to those coming to the Kingdom to perform Umrah rituals, visit the Prophet’s Mosque, or both, or be present in Umrah and visitation areas for the year 1446 AH, corresponding to 2025 AD.
The Ministry explained that these requirements come as part of its efforts to ensure the safety and health of visitors and pilgrims, in line with developments in the global epidemiological situation and the updated assessment of health risks. The Ministry stressed the importance of adhering to these requirements to provide a safe, healthy environment for all those coming to the Kingdom.
Health requirements included receiving the necessary mandatory immunizations, including the Neisseria meningitis vaccine, which must be received no less than ten days before travel. This includes approved vaccines such as the vaccine (ACYWX) Polysaccharide conjugate or quadrivalent vaccine (ACYW135) Polysaccharide. The Ministry indicated that the vaccination certificate is valid for three years from the date of taking the quadrivalent vaccine and five years from the date of taking the polysaccharide conjugate vaccine. The target group included all adults and children who wish to perform Umrah rituals over one year old.
The requirements also included obligating those coming from countries where wild or vaccine-derived polio virus circulates to receive at least one dose of the bivalent oral polio vaccine. (bOPV) Or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). The Ministry stressed the need to clearly state the name of the vaccine used and the date of its administration in the vaccination certificate, noting that these guidelines include those coming from countries where cases of acute flaccid paralysis have been recorded or positive results for the virus in environmental samples..
Regarding the yellow fever vaccine, the Ministry stressed the importance of all people arriving from countries where yellow fever is widespread receiving the vaccine no less than ten days before coming to the Kingdom. She explained that the vaccination certificate becomes valid for life.
General recommendations issued by the Ministry included the need to ensure that basic immunizations such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps and chicken pox are up to date. The Ministry also recommended adhering to preventive health guidelines, which include washing hands with soap and water or using disinfectants, wearing masks in crowded places, avoiding contact with people who show symptoms of respiratory diseases, in addition to avoiding sharing personal items..
The Ministry pointed out the importance of taking the necessary measures to avoid diseases transmitted through water and food, such as making sure to wash fresh fruits and vegetables well, cook food completely, and keep it at safe temperatures. It recommended not eating exposed foods or stored outside the refrigerator, and refraining from drinking unpasteurized milk or eating raw meat.
The Ministry also provided guidance regarding heat stress and heatstroke, calling on pilgrims and visitors, especially the elderly, to avoid direct exposure to the sun’s rays and to drink sufficient amounts of fluids. It recommended that travelers from countries exporting Umrah pilgrims and visitors provide the necessary awareness about ways to prevent heat stress, and stressed the need to consult a doctor before traveling if using medications that may increase the risk of dehydration, such as diuretics..
Regarding preventive measures at ports of entry, the Ministry emphasized the application of appropriate preventive measures, which include giving antibiotics or preventive vaccines according to the assessment of health risks, implementing health screening procedures for suspected cases, such as cases of diarrhea, and conducting rapid tests to detect cholera when needed. It also stressed the need for transportation coming from countries where yellow fever, Zika virus, and dengue fever are widespread, to be subject to disinfection in accordance with international health regulations..
The Ministry of Health indicated that these requirements and guidelines are subject to continuous updating based on developments in the global epidemiological situation. She called on all travelers to follow the health instructions and guidelines updated by the Ministry before coming to the Kingdom, stressing the importance of full compliance with all requirements to ensure the health and safety of everyone..