Saudi Arabia enforces strict vaccine regulations for Umrah pilgrims

Saudia Arabia has announced that Umrah pilgrims visiting the country in 2025 must be vaccinated against a number of diseases to ensure the safety and health of millions of worshippers.

As per a notification issued by the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority, all necessary vaccinations will be compulsory for pilgrims.

The diseases for which the pilgrims need to be vaccinated against are meningococcal meningitis, polio, yellow fever, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), and seasonal influenza.

The meningitis vaccine has been made mandatory for all international visitors, while polio vaccination will be required for individuals from Pakistan, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and other polio-affected countries.

The notification also instructs pilgrims from Angola, Nigeria, Brazil, and Congo to receive vaccinations for yellow fever.

It has also been said that on the recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines are compulsory. The pilgrims have also been instructed to complete vaccination against tetanus, measles and other diseases.

The Civil Aviation Authority also asks passengers to carry health-related documents including their vaccination certificates with them during their journey.

“Pilgrims with chronic conditions are advised to carry documentation detailing their medical condition, in addition to carrying sufficient quantities of their medications while ensuring that medications are kept in their original packaging,” the notification says.

The notification also directs people to protect themselves from Zika virus and dengue by wearing protective clothing covering as much of the body as it can and using physical barriers such as window screens and closed doors.

It also advises people to apply insect repellents on their bodies or clothing and it must contain DEET, IR3535 or Icaridin.