Which vaccines do you need for Saudi Arabia?
Information checked against: TravelHealthPro · CDC Travelers’ Health · WHO where relevant. Last checked: 7 October 2026. Entry requirements can change at short notice. Always verify current rules before departure.
1. Routine vaccinations
Everyone should be up to date with routine vaccines for their age — including measles (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio. Bring your records so missing doses can be caught up.
2. Recommended for most travellers
- TetanusCheck your course is complete; a booster may be advised if your last dose was over 10 years ago and care may be limited.
3. Recommended for some travellers, based on risk
- DengueVaccine suitability depends on previous dengue infection and other factors; bite avoidance is key.
- Hepatitis ASpread through contaminated food and water; advised for previously unvaccinated travellers.
- Hepatitis BFor longer stays, possible medical or dental treatment, sexual exposure or close contact with local people.
- Measles (MMR)Make sure you have had two doses of MMR, or are otherwise immune.
- Meningococcal (MenACWY)For close contact with local people, longer stays, outbreak areas, or pilgrimage travel.
- RabiesFor likely animal contact, remote travel, longer stays or limited access to urgent rabies treatment.
- TyphoidLinked to food and water hygiene; particularly relevant for longer stays, visiting family or rural travel.
Entry requirements and certificates
No yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry under the International Health Regulations.
Pilgrims attending Hajj or Umrah must show proof of meningococcal (ACWY) vaccination. Read pilgrimage guidance.
Entry rules can change at short notice; confirm them close to departure.
Yellow fever in Saudi Arabia
Transmission risk
No yellow fever transmission risk is listed for Saudi Arabia.
Vaccine recommendation
Yellow fever vaccine is not generally recommended for Saudi Arabia itself.
Certificate
No yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry under the International Health Regulations.
Malaria in Saudi Arabia
- Very low risk
Very low risk of malaria in the south western provinces of Saudi Arabia, along the border with Yemen including Asir province below 2,000m.
Awareness of risk and mosquito bite avoidance; tablets usually not needed. - No risk
No risk of malaria in the cities of Jeddah, Makkah (Mecca), Medina, Riyadh, and Ta'if, or in Asir province above 2,000m.
Mosquito bite avoidance.
This is not a prescription. Discuss malaria prevention with a travel-health clinician. If you develop a fever during or up to a year after visiting a risk area, seek medical help urgently and mention your travel.
What travellers to Saudi Arabia should consider
Hajj and Umrah require checking current official Saudi health requirements, which can change by season and traveller circumstances. Crowded gatherings, heat and the demands of walking deserve preparation alongside vaccination questions. Do not rely on an old certificate checklist.
Malaria risk in Saudi Arabia is limited and uneven, so the exact places you visit matter more than the country name.
Rabies vaccination is usually discussed for travellers with likely animal contact, adventurous or remote trips, or limited access to urgent care.
Day-biting mosquitoes can spread infections such as dengue, so bite avoidance is worthwhile throughout the trip.
For many short holidays from Malta to Saudi Arabia, the main step is confirming that routine vaccinations such as tetanus and measles are up to date.
Pilgrims to Hajj or Umrah face specific meningococcal vaccination certificate rules.
- Check current Ministry of Health rules for the specific pilgrimage.
- Bring vaccination documentation for verification.
- Plan heat protection and management of regular medication.
Tell us about your trip
Book travel-health consultationTravelling to Saudi Arabia?
Your exact vaccination needs depend on your previous vaccines, itinerary, trip length and individual health circumstances. Book a travel-health consultation at Spinola Clinic in Malta. Vaccine availability and prices should be confirmed with the clinic.
Book travel-health consultationSources and review
Information checked against official sources on 7 October 2026. Next scheduled check: 7 October 2027.
Travel Vaccine Malta is independent and not affiliated with these organisations. Guidance is summarised in our own words.