Saudi eases Umrah travel by dropping major vaccine requirement

The Saudi government on Thursday suspended the requirement for meningitis vaccine for Umrah pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued a new circular revising vaccination requirements for travelers from several countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Somalia.

Previously, Umrah pilgrims were required to get a meningitis vaccine. However, this mandate has now been lifted. Travelers must now only provide proof of polio vaccination. The polio vaccine must be administered at least four weeks before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Those in transit for up to 12 hours and staying within the airport will be exempt from this requirement. Airlines have been instructed to strictly verify vaccination certificates, and failure to comply will result in legal action and heavy penalties.