Saudi Arabia

Recommended Vaccinations For Saudi Arabia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Meningitis Vaccine

Travellers participating in the Hajj, including infants and children, are required to provide proof of vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine, received no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Saudi Arabia

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

The World Health Organization recommends atovaquone- proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Drug resistance to chloroquine is present. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention only recommends steps to avoid mosquito bites.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Saudi Arabia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Saudi Arabia.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Saudi Arabia through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Saudi Arabia, and the risk to travellers is significant. High risk provinces include Al Madinah, Jizan and Makkah (including the cities of Mecca and Jeddah).

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Sporadic outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) occur in Saudi Arabia.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis, if visiting ill friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with infected persons.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever

Schistosomiasis

There is a very low risk of schistosomiasis in this country. It can be acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk.

MERS

There is a risk of acquiring MERS-CoV in this country. Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads. It is a viral infection transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected camels or camel-related products. Limited person-to-person transmission through coughing and sneezing from infected persons, typically in healthcare settings, has also been reported. There is currently no vaccine to prevent MERS.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hanta Virus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Malaria

The World Health Organization states that there is a limited malaria risk from September to January along the southern border with Yemen. There is no risk in Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Ta'if.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Saudi Arabia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Meningitis

There is a risk of meningitis during the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah). All pilgrims, including infants and children, are required to provide proof of vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine, received no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Leishmaniasis

Sporadic cases of leishmaniasis occur in Saudi Arabia and is usually more common in rural than urban areas. The risk of acquiring leishmaniasis is increased in travellers who spend time outdoors in rural areas and at night, when sand flies typically feed.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Saudi Arabia

Personal Safety

Saudi Arabia maintains relatively low crime rates compared to many countries. Street crime like muggings and pickpocketing is uncommon due to strict law enforcement and severe penalties. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas such as markets and during religious gatherings but remains rare. You should remain alert during major religious events like Ramadan, Hajj and Umrah when crowds significantly increase. The country enforces strict laws around social behavior, with penalties including fines, imprisonment and deportation. You can face arrest for social media activity that authorities deem critical of the government or offensive to public order, including posts made outside Saudi Arabia. Same-sex relations are illegal. Public displays of affection between any couples should be avoided. You must always carry identification or face fines or imprisonment. If employers try to hold your passport, know this is illegal. Traffic accidents can result in several days detention at police stations while responsibility is determined, with all drivers sometimes held regardless of fault.

Extreme Violence

Terrorism remains a concern, though attacks have decreased in recent years. The main threat comes from Iran-backed proxies and groups like Daesh. Houthi forces from Yemen have launched drone and missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, airports and energy facilities, though most are intercepted by Saudi air defenses. Attacks can occur with little warning. Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and international interests, including religious sites, hotels, shopping centers, markets, transportation hubs and energy infrastructure. The government maintains comprehensive counterterrorism measures and works closely with international partners. Security forces have successfully disrupted numerous planned attacks, though the scale of extremist activity remains significant. Attacks may be timed around major holidays, religious events or in response to regional developments. The government heavily monitors extremist discourse on social media as part of its counter-extremism strategy. You should remain vigilant at places frequented by foreigners and during large-scale events.

Political Unrest

Public demonstrations are illegal in Saudi Arabia, with severe penalties for participation. The country experienced protests during 2011 and 2012, primarily in the Eastern Province among Shia communities demanding political reform and prisoner releases. These protests were met with security force responses including arrests and detentions. The government banned all protests and made it a crime to publish criticism harming the reputation of government or religious leaders. The political situation within the country is currently stable, though the broader regional security situation remains unpredictable. You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings should they occur. The government can impose travel bans preventing departure from the country, sometimes lasting years. Social media activity critical of Saudi institutions or policies can lead to arrest and prosecution. Activists and human rights defenders continue to face legal persecution under counterterrorism and cybercrime laws.

Areas To Avoid

You should not travel within 20 to 30 kilometers of the border with Yemen due to ongoing conflict, missile attacks and cross-border violence. The provinces of Najran, Jazan and Asir near the Yemen border have experienced drone and missile attacks. Abha International Airport has been targeted, with the last incident in 2022. Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs including Awamiyah should be avoided due to civil unrest and armed clashes with security forces. This area has experienced protests and security incidents related to Shia community grievances. Military zones and border posts are banned for tourist visits. Non-Muslims cannot enter the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The border areas with Iraq, including towns like Hafr al Batin and Khafji, present elevated risks. Military debris from intercepted attacks can fall in various locations. Attacks have also occurred in Riyadh and Jeddah, though less frequently than border regions. Remote desert areas require proper preparation and equipment if you plan to travel there.