Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Middle East
The Holy Land, Mecca, the Arabian Gulf; the Middle East is full of history and beautiful sites. But, travel to the region also comes with some risks.
Passport Health offers medications, immunizations and personalized healthcare for your trip to the Middle East. See our What Vaccines… section to learn more.
Countries in this region include:
What Vaccines Do I Need for the Middle East?
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travelers to the Middle East: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio and anthrax.
Some routine vaccinations are also recommended, this includes: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap), influenza, chickenpox, shingles and pneumonia.
Some polio cases have occured in various parts of the Middle East in the last few years. Vaccination is recommended.
The U.S. government requires some contractors and employees to receive an anthrax vaccination before their trip. Be sure to check with your organization to learn if this item is required.
While generally a routine vaccination, Saudi Arabia requires proof of having received a meningitis vaccination for entry during Hajj.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travelers, based on their specific itinerary.
See the table below for more vaccination information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for the Middle East |
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| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated Food or Water |
Recommended for most travelers to all regions. |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated Body Fluids (Sex, needles, etc.) |
Recommended for most travelers to all regions. |
| Typhoid | Contaminated Food or Water |
Recommended for most travelers to all regions. |
| Cholera | Contaminated Food or Water |
May be recommended based on your specific itinerary. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito-borne | May be required based on your specific itinerary. |
| Rabies | Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Meningitis | Airborne or Direct Contact |
Generally a routine vaccine. Required for travel for the Hajj. |
| Polio | Infected Animals | Generally a routine vaccination. Recommended or required for some countries in region. |
| Anthrax | Animals or Biological Agents | May be required for certain types of travelers, especially government personnel. |
Recommended Routine Vaccinations for the Middle East |
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| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) | Wounds or Airborne |
One adult booster of pertussis recommended for most travelers. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Generally recommended for all travelers. Vaccine components change annually. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact or Airborne |
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Recommended for individuals 50+. Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | All individuals 65+ or immunocompromised should receive this vaccine. |
Are There Other Health Concerns in the Middle East?
MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) is a potentially fatal respiratory illness found across the Arabian Peninsula. Travelers are advised to wash their hands regularly and avoid contact with sick individuals. Camels are a potential source of the infection, be sure to wash your hands after coming in contact with an animal.
Many travelers underestimate the risk of travelers’ diarrhea. Studies show up to 70 percent will contract some form of the illness during their trip. Travelers’ diarrhea kits are an important part of any travel plan. They can help prevent illness and take care of symptoms quickly if they occur.
Dengue and chikungunya are also present in the region, be sure to use mosquito repellent and netting. Antimalarials may be recommended depending on your destination.
What Are the Entry Requirements in the Middle East?
Most countries in the Middle East require visas for entry. This includes Saudi Arabia and Jordan. There are some vaccination requirements based on your destination and itinerary.
Passport Health’s passports and visas team is ready to help you with all your travel needs. Contact us online or call 1-844-366-8472.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for My Trip? |
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| Passport | Tourist Visa | Business Visa | Required Vaccinations |
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| Armenia |  |
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| Azerbaijan | |
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| Bahrain | |
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| Cyprus | |
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| Georgia | |
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| Iraq | |
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| Israel | |
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| Jordan | |
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| Kuwait | |
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| Lebanon | |
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| Oman | |
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| Palestinian Territories | |
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| Qatar | |
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| Saudi Arabia | |
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| Syria | |
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| Turkey | |
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| United Arab Emirates | |
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| Yemen | |
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Embassy information for each country is available on its own destination advice page.
Traveling to Another Destination?
Traveling outside of the Middle East? Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages!
On This Page:
What Vaccines Do I Need for the Middle East?
Are There Other Health Concerns in the Middle East?
What Are the Entry Requirements in the Middle East?
Traveling to Another Destination?
