Travelers preparing for Umrah must adhere to the updated health requirements mandated by Saudi authorities to protect public health and ensure an enjoyable pilgrimage for all.
1. Meningococcal Vaccine (Quadrivalent ACYW-135)
- Who Needs It: All travelers aged 1 year and above.
- Timing: The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.
- Validity: The vaccination certificate is valid for three years from the date of administration.
2. Polio Vaccine
- Requirement: Travelers from countries where reported cases have surfaced must receive this vaccine before arriving to those nations.
- Timing: It must be administered at least four weeks before their trip.
3. Yellow Fever Vaccine
- Requirement: Travelers arriving from countries where there is a risk of yellow fever must receive this vaccine.
Airline Responsibilities
Airlines now play a critical role in ensuring compliance with these health requirements. Their responsibilities include:
- Verification: Airline staff must check for valid vaccination certificates at check-in.
- Timeframe Compliance: They are responsible for verifying that the certificates meet the specified timeframes for each vaccine.
- Boarding Denial: Passengers who fail to present the necessary documentation will be denied boarding.
Respectful compliance is imperative to prevent travel disruptions and protect all Umrah pilgrims’ health, with updated protocols emphasizing vaccination as a crucial method to stop infectious disease spreading during religious travel.
By following these guidelines, travelers can ensure a safe and healthy pilgrimage experience.
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