Saudi Arabia removes meningitis vaccine requirement for Umrah travelers

Travellers heading to Saudi Arabia for Umrah are no longer required to receive the Neisseria meningitis vaccine. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced the updated vaccination requirements in a new circular on Thursday, informing airlines and private carriers operating in the Kingdom’s airports.

The directive nullifies a previous regulation that mandated the meningitis vaccine for all Umrah pilgrims, regardless of visa type. Before this change, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health required the vaccine to be administered no more than three years and no less than ten days before arrival.

While the meningitis vaccine is no longer mandatory, authorities continue to recommend the flu vaccine for all Umrah and Haj pilgrims. In March last year, Saudi Arabia made it compulsory for travellers performing religious pilgrimages to receive the flu shot before their trips. Additionally, the pneumococcal vaccine is advised for individuals 65 years and older and those with chronic health conditions.

Pilgrims and travellers are encouraged to get their flu shots and any other required vaccinations at least 15 days before departure, an extension from the previous guideline of 10 days. The updated regulations aim to streamline travel procedures while maintaining essential health precautions for visitors.