Vaccinations in Saudi Arabia

When travelling to Saudi Arabia, no vaccinations are required except for individuals coming from yellow fever infected areas. Meningococcal vaccine is only required during the annual pilgrimage to Mecca called Hajj.

Expats with high occupational risk (veterinarian or wild life professionals) of rabies are recommended to take a rabies vaccine before leaving.

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date, which include influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus), and polio vaccine.

The typhoid vaccine is recommended for expatriates travelling and working in the Middle East who are staying in the rural areas. The only exception is for expats who will strictly eat or drink in hotels and major restaurants. Other recommended vaccinations are for Hepatitis A and B.

The polio vaccine is required for travellers under the age of 15 coming from countries where the virus is still rampant such as in Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

At present, a cholera vaccine is not recommended as no outbreak of cholera had been reported in the country. All required and recommended vaccinations may change from time to time. Expatriates are advised to check updated travel advisories prior to travelling to Saudi Arabia.