Saudi Arabia

Recommended Vaccinations For Saudi Arabia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Meningitis Vaccine

Travellers participating in the Hajj, including infants and children, are required to provide proof of vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine, received no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Saudi Arabia

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

The World Health Organization recommends atovaquone- proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Drug resistance to chloroquine is present. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention only recommends steps to avoid mosquito bites.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Saudi Arabia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Saudi Arabia through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Saudi Arabia.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Saudi Arabia, and the risk to travellers is significant. High risk provinces include Al Madinah, Jizan and Makkah (including the cities of Mecca and Jeddah).

For Some Travellers

MERS

There is a risk of acquiring MERS-CoV in this country. Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads. It is a viral infection transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected camels or camel-related products. Limited person-to-person transmission through coughing and sneezing from infected persons, typically in healthcare settings, has also been reported. There is currently no vaccine to prevent MERS.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis, if visiting ill friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with infected persons.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hanta Virus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever

Schistosomiasis

There is a very low risk of schistosomiasis in this country. It can be acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Sporadic outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) occur in Saudi Arabia.

Malaria

The World Health Organization states that there is a limited malaria risk from September to January along the southern border with Yemen. There is no risk in Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Ta'if.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Saudi Arabia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Meningitis

There is a risk of meningitis during the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah). All pilgrims, including infants and children, are required to provide proof of vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine, received no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Leishmaniasis

Sporadic cases of leishmaniasis occur in Saudi Arabia and is usually more common in rural than urban areas. The risk of acquiring leishmaniasis is increased in travellers who spend time outdoors in rural areas and at night, when sand flies typically feed.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Saudi Arabia

Personal Safety

The crime rate in Saudi Arabia is low and most travellers do not experience security problems. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. Always be alert to your personal safety. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night.

Reports of pickpocketing and other theft have increased in Makkah and particularly in the regions of the Grand Mosque and in Medina.

Do not take photographs at the Holy Mosque at Makkah or at the Prophet’s Mosque at Medina.

Extreme Violence

There is an ongoing general threat of terrorism. Saudi Arabia has experienced terrorist attacks in the past, however, Saudi authorities continue to take action successfully against terrorist groups. Travellers are advised to be alert to personal security and safety, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Avoid large crowds and large gatherings in public. If you encounter large groups or demonstrations, have an exit route. Identify safe places, such as hospitals, police stations, etc.

Political Unrest

Although public demonstrations are illegal in this country, demonstrations can occur. In any country, avoid public gatherings or protests since even peaceful demonstrations can escalate into violence.

Areas To Avoid

Do not travel to areas near the border with Yemen or Qatar. Avoid non-essential travel to the Abha International Airport, in Asir Province, due to the risk of missile and drone attacks. Avoid non-essential travel to Qatif and surrounding suburbs, such as Al Awamiya, in Eastern Province. Ongoing tensions between Saudi security forces and local militants may create a potential for unrest.