Saudi Arabia Drops Meningitis Vaccine Requirement for Umrah Pilgrims
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced that Umrah travellers to Saudi Arabia are no longer required to be vaccinated against Neisseria meningitis. The new directive, issued on February 6, updates vaccination requirements for Umrah pilgrims and has been circulated to all airlines operating in the Kingdom, including private carriers.
This decision overrides a previous directive issued last month, which had mandated the meningitis vaccine for all Umrah pilgrims, regardless of their visa type. Previously, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health required the vaccine to be administered no more than three years and no less than ten days before arrival in the country.
Meanwhile, health authorities continue to advise certain vaccinations for travellers. The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 65 and above, as well as those with chronic illnesses. Additionally, flu shots and other essential vaccines should be taken at least 15 days before departure—a slight extension from the previous 10-day recommendation.
The update reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to streamline travel requirements while maintaining public health precautions for religious pilgrims.
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