Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Scraps Meningitis Vaccine Requirement for Umrah Travellers. In a significant update for Umrah pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has officially removed the mandatory requirement for the meningitis vaccine for those traveling to the Kingdom for Umrah. This decision was announced by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in a recent circular issued on Thursday, outlining revised vaccination requirements for Umrah travelers.
Previously, the meningitis vaccine was compulsory for all Umrah pilgrims, irrespective of their visa type. The vaccine had to be administered no more than three years and no less than ten days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. However, the latest directive nullifies a previous circular issued last month, which mandated the meningitis shot. The updated guidelines have been communicated to all airlines operating in the Kingdom, including private carriers, to ensure compliance.
This change comes as a relief to many travelers, simplifying the pre-travel medical requirements for Umrah. Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health had enforced strict vaccination rules, including mandatory flu shots for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims introduced in March last year. While the meningitis vaccine is no longer required, travelers are still advised to stay updated on other health recommendations.
For instance, the pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 65 and above, as well as those with chronic diseases. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to get flu shots and other mandatory vaccines at least 15 days before departure, extending the previous recommendation of 10 days.
This update reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to streamline travel procedures while ensuring the health and safety of pilgrims. The Kingdom continues to adapt its policies to accommodate the needs of millions of visitors who travel for Umrah and Hajj each year.
For more information on the latest travel guidelines, pilgrims are advised to consult official sources or their respective airlines.
