The following Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health requirements and recommendations will be in effect for pilgrims participating in Hajj 1441H (July 28-August 2, 2020) and/or the 2020-21 Umra season.
Travel restrictions: Entry into the country is temporarily suspended for the purpose of Umra and/or visiting the Prophet's Mosque in Medina and is banned for international pilgrims for the purpose of Hajj over concerns about COVID-19 importation. Hajj attendance is limited to approximately 1,000 pilgrims already residing in Saudi Arabia (regardless of nationality) who are aged < 65 years and have no chronic medical conditions; pilgrims will be tested for COVID-19 before arriving in Mecca and will be required to self-quarantine at home after performing Hajj. U.S. citizens already in Saudi Arabia are advised not to attend.
Meningococcal meningitis: Proof of meningococcal vaccination (with either quadrivalent meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine or quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine) is required for all travelers aged > 2 years arriving for the purpose of Umra or Hajj pilgrimage or seasonal work in Hajj/Umra zones, not less than 10 days and not more than 3 years (polysaccharide vaccine) or 5 years (conjugate vaccine; certificate must clearly state conjugate for 5-year validity to apply) before planned arrival in Saudi Arabia. Proof of vaccination with conjugate vaccine is required for domestic pilgrims, residents of Mecca and Medina, and any persons who might have direct contact with pilgrims in Saudi Arabia (e.g., health care workers [HCWs] or other authorities). Additionally, antibiotic chemoprophylaxis may be administered to certain travelers upon arrival if deemed necessary by port-of-entry officials.
Polio: Proof of polio vaccination is required for all travelers arriving from countries with circulating wild poliovirus or circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus types 1, 2, or 3 and for those arriving from countries at risk of polio reintroduction.
Proof of vaccination (at least 1 dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine [IPV] or bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine [OPV]) given between 4 weeks and 1 year prior to arrival is required for travelers (regardless of age or previous vaccination status) arriving from Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Somalia, or Yemen.
Proof of vaccination (at least 1 dose of IPV) given between 4 weeks and 1 year prior to arrival is required for travelers (regardless of age or previous vaccination status) arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Niger, or the Philippines.
Regardless of vaccination status, travelers from Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Somalia, or Yemen will also be given 1 dose of OPV upon arrival.
Yellow fever: Proof of yellow fever (YF) vaccination (valid for life) is required in accordance with international health regulations for all travelers aged > 9 months arriving from countries at risk of YF transmission or having transited an airport for longer than 12 hours in these countries. Vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to arrival at the border. Both new and existing certificates of vaccination are valid for the life of the person vaccinated.
Influenza: Saudi Arabia recommends seasonal influenza vaccination with the most currently available vaccine at least 10 days prior to arrival in Hajj/Umra areas for all visiting pilgrims, particularly those at increased risk for severe complications, such as pregnant women, children aged < 5 years, adults aged > 65 years, or those with chronic or immunocompromised medical conditions.
Southern Hemisphere vaccine is recommended for all pilgrims from the Southern Hemisphere or from countries that routinely use this vaccine.
Vaccination with the most currently available vaccine is required for all domestic pilgrims and HCWs at least 10 days prior to arrival in Hajj/Umra areas.
Public health: Pilgrims are encouraged to observe good respiratory hygiene (cough and sneeze etiquette) and hand hygiene (frequent, thorough handwashing); to wear face masks, especially in crowded locations; to avoid contact or sharing personal belongings with ill-appearing persons; to avoid close contact with animals, especially camels; and to avoid consumption of raw camel milk, camel urine, or improperly cooked meat.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV): Efforts to prevent MERS-CoV infection during Hajj/Umra have been implemented; no known MERS cases have ever been reported in Hajj pilgrims.
Zika, chikungunya, and dengue: The Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits these diseases has not been detected in Hajj or Umra areas for years, although it is present in surrounding cities. Travelers should observe daytime insect precautions.
