What health preparation do I need for Saudi Arabia?

Which vaccinations do I need?

Vaccine	Who	Note
Meningitis ACWY	Umrah and Hajj pilgrims	Required, with certificate, at least 10 days before arrival
Polio	Depends on departure country	Check the Ministry of Health's current list
Yellow fever	Arriving from risk countries	Depends on departure country
Seasonal flu, COVID-19	Recommended, especially for over-65s	Crowds spread respiratory infections quickly
Routine vaccines	Everyone	Keep up to date

Rules are updated every season. Check the Ministry of Health's Umrah and Hajj requirements and speak to a travel clinic at least six weeks before departure.

How do I deal with the heat?

• Drink regularly, and add rehydration salts on long days.
• Rest in the shade from late morning to mid-afternoon in summer.
• Use an umbrella, sunscreen and a hat, where ihram rules allow.
• Confusion, hot dry skin or fainting are an emergency, so call for help at once.

Can I drink the water?

Most people choose bottled water, which is cheap everywhere. Zamzam is provided free in the holy mosques. Avoid ice from doubtful sources if you have a sensitive stomach.

What illnesses should I know about?

• "Hajj cough": respiratory infections are very common. A mask helps in crowds.
• Stomach upsets: wash your hands and choose busy restaurants.
• Dengue: occurs around Jeddah and Makkah. Use insect repellent.
• MERS: avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
• Blisters: Umrah involves many kilometres of walking, so break in your footwear.

Where do I get medical help?

Pharmacies such as Nahdi and Al-Dawaa are everywhere, and many open late. Free medical centres operate near the holy mosques during busy periods. For emergencies, call 911 or 997. Good private hospitals are found in all major cities.

Is insurance included?

The tourist eVisa includes medical insurance, but its limits may be low and it may not cover repatriation. Consider buying extra travel insurance, and check how government travel advice affects your cover.

What about desert wildlife?

Scorpions and snakes live in rocky desert areas. Wear closed shoes, shake out bedding when camping and do not put your hand under rocks.