Saudi Arabia Removes Meningitis Vaccine Requirement for Travelers

The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority has delayed the need for Pakistani travelers traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj or Umrah to provide proof of immunization against Neisseria meningitis.

On Thursday 6th of Feb, the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) released a new circular for international travelers.

The new regulation, which reverses an earlier circular released last month requiring meningitis injections, has been delivered to all airlines operating in Saudi Arabia’s airports, such as private carriers, for compliance, as reported by Khaleej Times.

All Umrah pilgrims, regardless of visa status, were previously required to receive the meningitis vaccine by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health.

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The vaccination has to be given at least 10-days before to travel to Saudi Arabia and a maximum of 3-years beforehand.

In the meanwhile, the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority has ruled that tourists merely need to provide confirmation of polio immunization. Travelers from (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, and other nations) are subject to this rule, in accordance with the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

Fortunately 4-weeks before arriving in Saudi Arabia, travelers must get a certificate of polio immunization or a weakened poliovirus vaccine. Those in transit, though, who finish their trip within 12-hours and stay in the transit area, will not be subject to this restriction.

Airlines have been directed to extensively check the vaccination records of passengers coming from (Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan). Serious fines and legal action will be taken against individuals who violate these restrictions.