The Ministry of Health (MOH) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) issues annual health requirements and recommendations for travellers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. For detailed and up-to-date information, please visit the KSA MOH’s website. The following highlights key vaccines and health considerations:

Required vaccinations

1. Vaccination against meningococcal meningitis

   The MOH of KSA mandates certain vaccinations for pilgrims, including proof of vaccination against meningococcal disease for all pilgrims. In addition, pilgrims from countries where poliomyelitis is reported are required to provide proof of vaccination against poliomyelitis. Those over 9 months of age arriving from yellow fever-endemic countries must be vaccinated against yellow fever. Pilgrims travelling for Hajj who are over 65 years of age or have specific health conditions are required to have vaccination against COVID-19.

   All pilgrims must ensure that they receive a quadrivalent vaccine (serogroups A, C, W135 and Y) against meningococcal meningitis within the required validity period, with the date of vaccination and type of vaccine clearly indicated on the vaccination certificate. For ACWY polysaccharide vaccine, the certificate should not exceed 3 years and not less than 10 days prior to arrival. For ACWY conjugated vaccine, the certificate should be within 5 years and at least 10 days prior to arrival. If vaccine type is not indicated on the certificate, it will be considered valid for 3 years only.

   
   

Recommended vaccinations

2. Vaccination against seasonal influenza

   The MOH recommends travellers to receive seasonal influenza vaccination.

   
   

3. Vaccination against COVID-19

   The MOH recommends travellers to receive COVID-19 vaccination.

   
   

Health issues require attention

4. Be Vigilant against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

   The affected areas of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) include the Arabian Peninsula and its neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia. MERS is a viral respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Scientific studies indicates that dromedary camels serve as a major reservoir host for MERS-CoV and an animal source of infection in humans. Infection can occur through exposure to infected animals (especially dromedary camels) or contaminated animal products. MERS-CoV can also spread through close contact with infected individuals. Travellers are advised to refrain from visiting farms, barns or market with camels, avoid contact with sick persons and animals, and avoid unnecessary visit to healthcare facilities. For more information on MERS, please refer to CHP webpage at https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/26511.html

   
   

5. General Health Recommendations

   The MOH of KSA has also provided general health recommendations for the following conditions:

   • Physical ability, chronic diseases and health education
   • Acute respiratory infections
   • Food and water-borne diseases
   • Heat-related conditions
   • Zika virus disease and dengue fever
   
   

For detailed information, please refer to the website of the MOH of KSA.