Saudi Arabia has declared that all Umrah pilgrims in 2025 must be vaccinated against various diseases to enhance public health.
According to a recent announcement, the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority has made vaccinations and precautions compulsory for all Umrah participants.
Read: New Polio Vaccination Requirement for Pakistani Travelers to Saudi Arabia
Under the updated health guidelines, pilgrims must be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis, polio, yellow fever, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), and seasonal influenza. Specifically, the meningitis vaccine is mandatory for all international visitors, while the polio vaccine is necessary for those from polio-affected countries such as Pakistan, Nigeria, and Afghanistan.
Based on World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, vaccines for COVID-19 and seasonal flu are also mandatory.
The notification also mandates vaccinations against tetanus and measles, among other diseases. Pilgrims must carry health-related documents, including vaccination certificates, throughout their journey.
Pilgrims with chronic conditions should carry detailed medical documentation and sufficient medication, ensuring all medicines are in their original packaging.
Additionally, the authority advises protection against the Zika virus and dengue by wearing protective clothing, using physical barriers like window screens and closed doors, and applying insect repellents containing DEET, IR3535, or Icaridin on both body and clothing.
