Travel Vaccines and Advice for Saudi Arabia
Among Saudi Arabia’s greatest sites are the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. These are both part of the Hajj, which brings thousands to The Kingdom every year.
Public entertainment is limited in Saudi Arabia. But, the nation possesses incredible natural wonders. Among available activities are day trips into the desert and deep sea diving off the coast.
When visiting Saudi Arabia, be aware of the limitations of the nightlife scene in any urban areas. Consumption of alcohol, public playing of music, and even mingling with the opposite sex are all forbidden. Saudi culture is very strict and should be researched before travelling.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Saudi Arabia?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Saudi Arabia
What Vaccines Do I Need of Hajj?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Saudi Arabia?
What Is the Climate Like in Saudi Arabia?
How Safe Is Saudi Arabia?
Medina in Saudi Arabia
What Should I Take to Saudi Arabia?
Canadian Embassy in Saudi Arabia
Do I Need Vaccines for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Saudi Arabia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Saudi Arabia: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, meningitis, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
May required for entry at certain times of year like Hajj. Single adult booster recommended. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Required for Hajj travellers. Recommended for minors and those with additional risk factors. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Saudi Arabia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | May required for entry at certain times of year like Hajj. Single adult booster recommended. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Required for Hajj travellers. Recommended for minors and those with additional risk factors. |
Routine Vaccinations for Saudi Arabia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, a potentially life-threatening illness caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and safe food and water precautions.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A, a liver infection caused by a contagious virus, can have severe symptoms. To prevent its spread, vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine is essential, along with maintaining hygiene practices. This vaccine effectively protects against infection.
- Polio – Polio, a highly infectious viral disease, is primarily transmitted through fecal-oral contact. Vaccination is the key to preventing polio, as it stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies.
- Rabies – Rabies is a lethal disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, and vaccination is the key to prevention. Pre-exposure vaccination is advised for individuals at risk, and immediate post-exposure vaccination is crucial if one encounters a potentially rabid animal.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus causes liver infection, spreading through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention measures include safe practices and, notably, hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine effectively triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, offering reliable, long-term protection against the virus.
- Meningitis – Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, and can be life-threatening. The meningitis vaccine protects against various strains of meningitis-causing bacteria, stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies, thereby preventing infection and its serious complications.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious diseases with potentially severe consequences. Preventing their transmission is possible through vaccination with the MMR vaccine. This two-dose vaccine not only safeguards individuals but also helps create herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks within communities.
Malaria in Saudi Arabia
Malaria in Saudi Arabia is limited to the Yemeni border only. Travellers to that region should take extra precautions to avoid the disease, including taking antimalarials. Malaria parasites in Saudi Arabia are resistant to chloroquine. Speak with your travel health specialist to identify which antimalarial is best for your trip and medical history.
Malaria and dengue are present in some areas of Saudi Arabia. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn if these diseases could affect your travel itinerary.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Saudi Arabia
Prevent Bug Bites in Saudi Arabia
To fend off bug bites, follow PHAC advice: cover up with long clothing, use repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and avoid bug-heavy areas during dawn and dusk. Protect your sleep with insect-repellent-treated bed nets.
Food and Water Safety in Saudi Arabia
Abroad, food safety entails avoiding street vendors, thorough hand-washing, and opting for well-cooked dishes. Choose sealed bottled or canned beverages. To prevent travellers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at reliable restaurants.
Altitude Sickness in Saudi Arabia
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), manifests at high elevations due to insufficient oxygen intake. To prevent AMS, ascend slowly, hydrate adequately, and consider medication. If symptoms arise—headaches, nausea—descend to lower altitudes immediately for rest and recovery.
Infections To Be Aware of in Saudi Arabia
- Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, a severe viral illness, spreads through infected ticks and direct human contact with bodily fluids. Prevention includes tick avoidance, protective measures in healthcare settings, and the development of a potential vaccine to curb its transmission.
- Dengue – Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, significantly impacts global health, affecting up to 400 million people yearly. Without specific antiviral treatments, prevention through avoiding mosquito bites is key. Repellents and nettings are recommended.
- MERS – Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral illness caused by MERS-CoV, initially identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. To prevent MERS, practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with sick individuals and camels, and follow PHAC guidelines for travellers. Vaccination against MERS is not yet available.
- Rift Valley Fever – Rift Valley Fever, transmitted by mosquitoes and infected animal contact, can be prevented through livestock vaccination, mosquito control, and safe animal handling practices.
- Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis, a widespread parasitic disease transmitted through freshwater snails, requires awareness and precautionary actions. Prevention involves refraining from activities in contaminated water and wearing protective clothing. Early recognition of symptoms like fever and seeking medical attention are paramount for timely diagnosis and intervention, minimizing the severity of schistosomiasis-related complications and improving health outcomes.
What Vaccines Do I Need of Hajj?
The following vaccines are recommended for Hajj – typhoid, polio, meningitis, hepatitis A, MMR and influenza. Some other vaccines may be recommended based on your personal health history. Proof of meningitis vaccination is required for entry during Hajj.
Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage that takes place in Saudi Arabia. The event brings thousands of Muslims and interested individuals to the country every year.
To avoid disease outbreaks and protect the health of citizens and travellers, Saudi Arabia has issues dome vaccine recommendations for during Hajj.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Saudi Arabia?
Canadian citizens must obtain a visa for all business and tourism visits to Saudi Arabia. Transit visas are generally not required for 1 short stop within the country such as a flight layover. Any stays more than a few hours may require a visa.
Saudi Arabia Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Saudi Arabia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Saudi Arabia and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Proof of some vaccinations are required based on visa type and travel itinerary.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is has a desert climate. During the summer, temperatures can reach anywhere from 40 to 45 degrees.
- Riyadh – The capital suffers the worst heat in the country. It is not unusual for summer temperatures to reach 45 degrees. Winters can go below zero degrees. Summer evenings are easier to withstand, as cooling winds blow after sunset.
- Jeddah – Unlike Riyadh, Jeddah maintains the warmth of summer throughout the winter. Temperatures can range from 15 to 25 in later months. The summer heat is oppressive, often surpassing 45 in the day. It often cools down to around 30 at night.
- Mecca – The holy city also maintains some of its summer climate during the winter months. In winter, temperatures are usually at 30 during the day, and drop down to 15 at night. In summer, Mecca suffers from blistering heat. Temperatures often exceed 45 degrees.
How Safe Is Saudi Arabia?
For members of the LGBT community, it is strongly advised not to travel to Saudi Arabia. Homosexuality is punishable by death.
Be careful getting into taxis or taking rides with locals. One of the leading causes of death is due to automobile accidents.
Be mindful of where you leave your belongings, and how you carry them on your person when out in public. Pickpockets are common in urban areas.
Be sure to study local traditions before travelling to Saudi Arabia. Not abiding by Saudi customs can have severe consequences. It is best to learn the culture so as not to stand out when visiting.
Medina in Saudi Arabia
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Medina is a very important religious site for Muslims and many people go there on a pilgrimage. It has many things for tourists to see and do. The Prophet’s Mosque is one of the most famous places to visit in Medina.
The Old City of Medina is also really cool because it has a lot of old buildings and markets where you can buy things like souvenirs and local crafts. Medina is famous for its date fruit, so visitors can go to date farms and try different types of dates. Visitors can learn about the history of Islam by going to museums and historic sites. There are also Islamic lectures given by important scholars.
The Mountain of Uhud is an important place to visit because a big battle happened there a long time ago. Visitors can climb the mountain and see the monuments and sites there. Medina has many different types of food to try, including traditional Middle Eastern dishes and international foods.
What Should I Take to Saudi Arabia?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Saudi Arabia:
- Medical Supplies – These can be hard to come by in Saudi Arabia. Make sure to include a travellers’ diarrhea kit, prescriptions and a small first-aid kit.
- Breathable Clothing – The climate of Saudi Arabia is one of extreme heat. Wear clothing that is not too thick, and that you wouldn’t mind sweating in.
- Conservative Clothing -Conservative dress styles are strongly encouraged due to cultural customs in Saudi Arabia. This is especially true for women.
Canadian Embassy in Saudi Arabia
Various departments of the Embassy of Canada in Saudi Arabia handle different issues such as trade, visas, passports, etc. Emergency services are available to Canadian citizens only.
Once in Saudi Arabia, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Canadian Embassy Riyadh
Diplomatic Quarter,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: 966 (11) 202-3288
If you have any questions about travelling to the Saudi Arabia or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at book online now and protect yourself today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Saudi Arabia
“I enjoyed every bit of my visit to the clinic. The nurse was exceptionally hospitable and very knowledgeable about Saudi Arabia. She took her time to explain the entire process and requirements and the cost involved. I will always recommend this clinic to friends and family.”
“The nurse made sure I understood everything about side-effects and was very good at getting permission after I understood. She was quite thorough to make sure I would be covered for everything I could possibly encounter on my trip to Saudi Arabia. She was very knowledgeable which was good because I am going to many different places with different risk factors.”
“The nurse was highly knowledgeable and friendly – a pleasure to deal with and gave peace of mind I’m looked after for my trip to Saudi Arabia – will return for my next adventure !!!”
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