For Travelers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah Ministry of Health: Meningococcal Vaccine Mandatory for Pilgrims at Least 10 Days Before Travel

In accordance with the health guidelines and requirements issued by the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims for the 1446H (2025) season, the Ministry of Health has announced that all adult and child travelers aged one year and above must receive the mandatory meningococcal vaccine available at primary healthcare centers. Pilgrims are required to obtain an official vaccination certificate from an accredited health institution as proof of immunization at least 10 days prior to departure to Saudi Arabia. The Ministry emphasized that this vaccination is not new and has long been a mandatory requirement for Hajj.

The Ministry further stated that travelers can visit their designated health center to receive the vaccine during official working hours (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM), ensuring they complete the vaccination at least 10 days before travel. Additionally, the Ministry confirmed that the vaccination certificate will remain valid for five years for the vaccine provided at primary healthcare centers in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The Ministry stressed the importance of adhering to all health procedures and ensuring the completion of all mandatory and recommended vaccinations. These requirements aim to protect pilgrims and Umrah performers from preventable infectious diseases, in alignment with the latest risk assessments and global epidemiological updates.