Hajj 2024: Everything you need to know about Saudi Arabia’s new health requirements for travellers

The updated guidelines aim to safeguard public health during the Hajj season.

Mandatory vaccinations:

• Meningococcal meningitis vaccine for individuals above one year old from all countries, administered 10 days before arrival.
• Polio vaccine for travelers from countries reporting wild poliovirus cases or circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1.
• Polio vaccine or oral polio vaccine for travelers from countries reporting circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 cases or positive environmental samples.
• Yellow fever vaccine for travelers above nine months old from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Recommended vaccinations:

• Updated COVID-19 vaccine for individuals aged 12 and above intending to perform or attend Hajj.
• Seasonal influenza vaccine, especially for high-risk groups like pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions.
• Polio vaccine for travelers from countries reporting positive environmental samples of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2.

Preventive measures:

The Saudi authorities may administer prophylactic antibiotics and the oral polio vaccine at entry points for travelers from specific countries.

“Disinsection” of aircraft and ships from affected countries may also be required.

General health recommendations:

Pilgrims with chronic diseases must carry medical documentation and an adequate supply of prescribed medications.

Authorities advise updating vaccination status against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Measures to prevent respiratory infections, food and water-borne diseases, heat-related conditions, and mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika and dengue fever are also outlined.

The ministry emphasises compliance with international health regulations and states it will undertake necessary measures in case of a public health emergency of international concern.

Read the full list of requirements here.