Saudi Arabia vaccine requirements: Do I need a vaccine to travel to Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has become a prime destination for travelers seeking unique cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes. Before you plan your journey, knowing what vaccinations and health measures may be required or recommended for a safe trip is important.

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Saudi Arabia vaccine requirements: Do I need a vaccine to travel to Saudi Arabia?

To make planning easier, here’s a table summarizing the key vaccine requirements and recommendations:

Vaccine	Requirement	Who Needs It?	Additional Notes
Yellow Fever	Mandatory for travelers from high-risk areas	Travelers from parts of Africa (e.g., Nigeria, Angola) and South America (e.g., Brazil, Argentina)	Certificate valid 10 days to 10 years before arrival. Ships/aircraft from affected areas need disinfection proof.
Meningitis	Mandatory	Hajj pilgrims, residents of Makkah/Madinah, workers in direct contact with pilgrims	Visitors from the African meningitis belt must take ciprofloxacin tablets at entry points.
Polio	Mandatory for travelers from polio-endemic countries	Travelers from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other high-risk countries	OPV required 6 weeks before visa application; additional dose upon arrival for visitors under 15.
Seasonal Influenza	Strongly Recommended	High-risk groups: pregnant women, children under 5, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses	Particularly important for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
COVID-19	Recommended	All travelers	Proof of vaccination may be required for certain activities or events.
Hepatitis A & B	Recommended	All travelers	Consider if planning to stay long-term or engage in high-risk activities.
Rabies	Recommended	Travelers in rural areas or working with animals	Essential if you’ll be in contact with stray animals.
Tetanus	Recommended	All travelers	Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date.

"Carry proof of all vaccinations you have taken, especially if you're coming from a high-risk region. I was asked to prove I had taken the yellow fever vaccine when I arrived," revealed Anisa from Namibia.

If you plan to travel during the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages, it is especially important to ensure your vaccinations are up to date.

The large gatherings during these events can increase the risk of disease transmission, making preventive measures crucial.

Visa considerations for Saudi Arabia

You may need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia, depending on your nationality. Many travelers are eligible for the Saudi Arabia tourist e-visa, allowing multiple entries.

If you travel for religious purposes such as Hajj or Umrah, specific pilgrimage visas are available and may have different requirements.

Check our Saudi tourist visa page and our Umrah visa page for more details on how to apply and ensure a smooth trip.

Other requirements

Our customer, Anisa, shared that downloading the Tawakkalna app before you arrive is key.

“The Tawakkalna app is a must! I downloaded it right after I landed and used my passport to register. It’s required for many places,” revealed Anisa.

Don’t panic if you can’t activate it. You’ll need a local SIM, which you can only set up once you get through customs.

"You can also use the 'Absher' app to manage various governmental services, such as extending visas or paying fines during your stay," reveals Anisa.

Cultural considerations for travelers

Saudi Arabia is a traditional Muslim country, so it is important to be mindful of local customs and laws.

This includes adhering to a modest dress code—avoid revealing or transparent clothing, and women should consider wearing a headscarf.

“Guys, don’t wear shorts above the knee when you’re out and about. I saw someone get turned away at a museum for this,” warned Anisa.

Respecting these customs is vital for a respectful and enjoyable travel experience.

Food Restrictions for Hajj and Umrah Performers:
- Pilgrims are prohibited from bringing fresh food into Saudi Arabia.
- Only properly canned or sealed food in containers that can be inspected is allowed, limited to small quantities sufficient for one person.

Bring your international driving permit and rent a car for flexibility if you plan to drive. Exercise caution, as traffic conditions can be challenging due to frequent incidents involving local drivers.

“Instead of driving, I used a ride-hailing app with a ‘women-only’ option for drivers. It felt much more comfortable as a solo female traveler,” adds Anisa.

Need more information?

For further guidance on the Saudi Arabia tourist visa, Umrah visa, or any health and travel requirements, our customer service team is here to assist. Contact us via WhatsApp or live chat for personalized support and up-to-date information.