Archives

Which vaccinations are compulsory for travel to Saudi Arabia?

By 22 June 2020#!30Fri, 29 Sep 2023 20:55:20 +0200p2030#30Fri, 29 Sep 2023 20:55:20 +0200p-8Europe/Paris3030Europe/Parisx30 29pm30pm-30Fri, 29 Sep 2023 20:55:20 +0200p8Europe/Paris3030Europe/Parisx302023Fri, 29 Sep 2023 20:55:20 +0200558559pmFriday=397#!30Fri, 29 Sep 2023 20:55:20 +0200pEurope/Paris9#September 29th, 2023#!30Fri, 29 Sep 2023 20:55:20 +0200p2030#/30Fri, 29 Sep 2023 20:55:20 +0200p-8Europe/Paris3030Europe/Parisx30#!30Fri, 29 Sep 2023 20:55:20 +0200pEurope/Paris9#No Comments

The cradle of Islam, Saudi Arabia is a desert country with many tourist attractions. Long closed to tourism, it is now open to it thanks to the e-Visa. As well as knowing the formalities imposed by the Saudi authorities, you should also be aware of the compulsory vaccinations for travelling to this country.

The meningitis vaccine

Before travelling to Saudi Arabia as a pilgrim or tourist, you should be vaccinated against meningitis. In particular, you should be vaccinated with the tetravalent meningococcal vaccine or ACYW. This must be done at least 10 days before you enter the country. A vaccination certificate is required at the airport for anyone over the age of 2.

In addition, two other documents may be accepted in place of this certificate. These are the certificate stating that you have received the tetravalent polysaccharide vaccine within the last 3 years. Finally, there is the certificate for the tetravalent conjugate meningococcal vaccine administered within the last 5 years.

Vaccines against viral hepatitis A and B

Travellers who are at least 1 year old should be vaccinated against viral hepatitis A. To this end, an injection is required 15 days before departure. It should be noted that the booster for this type of vaccine is given 6 months to 5 years after the first dose. For long or repeated stays, you should also be vaccinated against viral hepatitis B. This requires two injections, one month apart.

The booster is a single injection given 6 months after the first injection. However, when travel is imminent, adult travellers can have the vaccine administered in short doses. This involves receiving a second dose 7 days after the first. Then, 14 days later, you will receive a third dose. A final injection is given 1 year later.

The amaril vaccine: against yellow fever

Normally, there is no yellow fever in Saudi Arabia. However, if you have spent time in an area where yellow fever is present, you should definitely be vaccinated before travelling. If you are a citizen of Europe, Asia or Oceania, you do not need to be vaccinated. The same applies if you come from North, Central or South America. The amaril vaccine is for travellers aged over 9 months.

The CDC is also a great tool for preparing your trip.