Travel Vaccines and Advice for Saudi Arabia

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Saudi Arabia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Saudi Arabia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, anthrax, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

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.

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 travelers, Saudi Arabia has issues dome vaccine recommendations for during Hajj.

A visa is required for travel to Saudi Arabia. Requirements vary from type-to-type as well as length of allowed stay. Travelers should begin the visa process well before their departure to avoid problems.

Saudi Arabia Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Saudi Arabia?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Saudi Arabia and U.S. State Department

Proof of some vaccinations are required based on visa type and travel itinerary.

Saudi Arabia is has a desert climate. During the summer, temperatures can reach anywhere from 107 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Riyadh – The capital suffers the worst heat in the country. It is not unusual for summer temperatures to reach 120 degrees. Winters can go below 30 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 59 to 82 in later months. The summer heat is oppressive, often surpassing 110 the day. It often cools down to around 85 at night.
• Mecca – The holy city also maintains some of its summer climate during the winter months. In winter, temperatures are usually in the mid-80’s during the day, and drop down to the mid-60’s at night. In summer, Mecca suffers from blistering heat. Temperatures often exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 traveling 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 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.

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 travelers’ 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.

All Americans visiting Saudi Arabia should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.

Once in Saudi Arabia, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:

U.S. Embassy Riyadh
Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street
Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: +(966) (11) 488-3800
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(966) (11) 488-3800
Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670
Email: RiyadhACS@state.gov

Visit the Embassy to Saudi Arabia website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.

If you have any questions about traveling 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 or book online now and protect yourself today.