Anyone arriving in Saudi Arabia from a country infected with yellow fever requires a vaccination certificate for entry. People travelling to perform Hajj and Umrah are required to be inoculated against meningitis before travel and must present a vaccination certificate on arrival; a meningococcal vaccine is recommended for all travellers. Respiratory infections are common among pilgrims during the Hajj season; Influenza vaccine is recommended for all pilgrims during the Hajj. Not compulsory, but definitely advisable, is vaccination against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid fever. There is a malaria risk in the south and parts of the western region of the country and visitors should take advice on anti-malarial precautions at least four weeks before leaving; an outbreak of cerebral malaria has occurred in Jizan. Rift Valley Fever has also occurred, mainly in the Jizan area. Dengue fever has been reported. An outbreak of bird flu was confirmed in April 2007; however the risk is low for travellers, but contact with domestic, caged and wild birds should be avoided and poultry and egg dishes well cooked. Food poisoning is a risk outside the good hotels. Visitors should only drink bottled water. The standard of medical care and facilities in Saudi Arabia is high, but treatment is expensive, therefore health insurance is strongly advised for all travellers.

View information on diseases:

Dengue Fever, Hepatitis A, Influenza, Malaria, Meningococcal disease, Typhoid fever, Yellow fever