Health Requirements And Guidelines For Travelers To Saudi Arabia

Hajj and Umrah Season 1443 AH – 2022 AD

The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has announced health requirements and guidelines related to those coming to the Kingdom to perform Hajj, Umrah or seasonal work in the Hajj and Umrah areas season 1443 AH-2022 AD. Lottrips have all information for you.

The ministry of health recommend those coming for Umrah, Hajj seasonal work or any other purpose in the Hajj and Umrah areas to update their immunization against disease targeted by basic immunization such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, chickenpox and mumps.

Furthermore, they are required to bring proof of their health condition and the medicines they are taking, and to bring a sufficient quantity of these medicines in their original packages.

Neisseria meningitidis

All those wishing to perform Hajj or Umrah or to be in Hajj and Umrah areas for any other purpose, adults and children of one year or older, are required to present a valid vaccination certificate proving that they have received the ACYW vaccine within a period of time before coming to the Hajj and Umrah areas. Not less than 10 days.

The health authority in the country from which the pilgrim or Umrah pilgrim comes from, must ensure that he obtains the vaccine on time and writes the name of the vaccine used.

Poliomyelitis

Those coming from countries where wild poliovirus or cVDPV1 is circulating are required to present a vaccination certificate proving that they have received at least one dose of bOPV Or the inactivated polio vaccine ” IPV ” within a period of no less than 4 weeks and not more than a month before coming to the Kingdom.

Those coming from countries where the cVDPV2 vaccine-derived polio virus “cVDPV2” is transmitted are required to submit a vaccination certificate stating that they have received at least one dose of the inactivated polio vaccine “IPV” within a period of no less than 4 months.

In the event that the inactivated polio vaccine “IPV” is not available, a vaccination certificate can be submitted proving that they have received at least one dose of the oral polio vaccine “OPV” within a period of no less than 4 weeks and not more than 6 months before coming to the Kingdom.

Yellow fever

All arrivals who are older than 9 months of age from countries and regions where yellow fever is prevalent are required to present a valid vaccination certificate proving that they have received the yellow fever vaccine prior to their arrival in the Kingdom that the yellow fever vaccination certificate. Note that the yellow fever vaccination certificate becomes valid 10 days after receiving the vaccine and is valid for life.

Dengue fever and Zika virus

Those coming for Umrah, Hajj, seasonal work or another purpose in the Hajj areas are advised pilgrims to take the necessary measures and precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including wearing protective clothing “preferably light colored” and covering as much of the body as possible, and using physical barriers such as closed windows and doors, Use insect repellent according to the product label instructions on skin or clothing.

Other Recommended immunizations:

Seasonal flu

All travelers are advised to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine at least 10 days before their arrival in the Kingdom, especially pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases such as heart disease, metabolic, nervous, hepatic, or hematological diseases, individuals with immunosuppressed conditions such as HIV/AIDS, receiving chemotherapy or steroids, or tumors.

Preventive measures of the Saudi Ministry of Health at entry points in the Kingdom.

Based on the risk assessment, the Ministry of Health may decide to administer an antibiotic that is effective against the bacteria causing Neisseria meningitidis, Yellow fever, Dengue and Zika at ports of entry for those coming to Hajj and Umrah areas from countries where outbreaks are occurring.

All aircraft, ships and other means of transport coming from countries is prevalent are required to have a valid certificate showing that disinfection has been applied in accordance with the controls recommended by the World Health Organization, and the Ministry of Health has the right to subject any of the means of transportation to a health inspection to ensure that it is free from Disease vectors.

Important health tips and advice from the Kingdom’s MOH

Food and waterborne diseases

The authorities in the Kingdom prevent the entry of foodstuffs with those coming for Hajj and Umrah, with the exception of canned foods intended for personal use in small quantities, provided that they are in containers that are easy to inspect.

Travelers are advised to adhere to the following health guidelines:

• Make sure to clean your hands before and after eating and after going to the bathroom.
• Make sure to wash fresh vegetables and fruits well.
• Food must be thoroughly cooked, and food kept at safe temperatures.
• Do not eat uncovered or distressed cooked foods outside the refrigerator.

Heat stress and heat stroke

Travelers, especially older individuals, are advised to avoid direct exposure to sunlight and to drink sufficient amounts of fluids.

Some other guidelines to follow

• Wash hands with soap and water or disinfectant, especially after coughing and sneezing, after using the toilet, before preparing and eating food, and after touching animals.
• Use tissues when coughing or sneezing and dispose of them in the trash.
• Wearing a mask when in crowded places and changing it to a dry mask when it gets wet.
• Avoid direct contact with people who appear sick and avoid sharing their personal tools.
• Avoid direct contact with camels and in farms, markets or barns.
• Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk or eating raw meat or animal products that have not been thoroughly cooked.

Physical ability and health awareness

Health officials recommend that pilgrims coming from the countries where they are pilgrims must have a minimum level of physical ability, and this ability cannot be reached with severe chronic diseases such as advanced cancers, lung diseases, liver diseases, and kidney diseases.