Saudi Arabia Lifts Meningitis Vaccination Requirement for Umrah Pilgrims

The Saudi Arabian General Authority of Civil Aviation has announced that meningitis vaccination is no longer mandatory for those travelling for Umrah.

In a statement released on Thursday, 6 February 2025, the authority confirmed that the requirement had been lifted, reversing its earlier directive issued in January under circular number 12/15597. The previous rule had mandated that pilgrims receive a meningitis vaccine at least 10 days before their departure.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

Previously, Saudi authorities required all Umrah travellers, regardless of nationality, to be vaccinated against both meningitis and polio. While the meningitis vaccination is no longer compulsory, the polio vaccine remains a requirement.

Meningitis is an illness caused by inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal meningitis, a bacterial form of the disease, is caused by Neisseria meningitidis and can lead to severe complications if untreated.