Saudi Arabia enforces strict vaccine protocols for Umrah pilgrims

Pilgrims must be vaccinated for meningitis, polio, yellow fever, COVID-19, and flu to visit Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi Arabia will introduce stricter health protocols for Umrah pilgrims in 2025, requiring mandatory vaccinations to ensure public health and safety for millions of worshippers.

The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority notified that pilgrims must be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis, polio, yellow fever, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza.

The regulations also stipulate that all international visitors must receive the meningitis vaccine, while those travelling from polio-affected regions, such as Pakistan, Nigeria, and Afghanistan, must also receive the polio vaccine.

In addition, pilgrims arriving from Angola, Nigeria, Brazil, and Congo will need yellow fever vaccinations. The World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations for COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are now mandatory. Pilgrims are further advised to complete vaccinations for tetanus, measles, and other diseases.

The Civil Aviation Authority urges all pilgrims to carry health-related documents, including vaccination certificates, throughout their journey. The authorities also advise pilgrims with chronic health conditions to bring medical documentation and sufficient medication, ensuring it is kept in its original packaging.

To prevent the spread of diseases, pilgrims are recommended to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika virus and dengue by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellents containing DEET, IR3535, or Icaridin.

These measures are part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the health of the millions who visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah each year for Umrah.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah signed the annual Hajj agreement 2025 between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Under the agreement, 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj this year. The deal includes a commitment to provide the best possible facilities for Pakistani pilgrims, who will be offered unique accommodation in Mina at reduced rates.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Saudi minister assured his Pakistani counterpart of all possible support for better facilities for the pilgrims.

Pilgrims will have the option to choose accommodation in Madinah for 4 to 8 days. Each pilgrim will receive a specially designed bag containing a Pakistani flag, a QR code for identification, and relevant information.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs spokesperson also mentioned that a special mobile app will provide all information to pilgrims on their mobile phones.