In a major relief for Umrah pilgrims, the government of Saudi Arabia has suspended the requirement for the Neisseria meningitis vaccine, allowing travellers to perform Umrah without this formerly mandatory immunisation.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation has released a new circular suspending the previously announced vaccination requirement, which was set to be implemented on January 7, 2025.
Khaleej Times reported that a new directive has been issued to all airlines at Saudi Arabia’s airports, including private carriers, replacing last month’s requirement for meningitis vaccinations.
Earlier, the Health Ministry of Saudi Arabia had mandated the vaccine for all Umrah pilgrims, regardless of their visa type.
Read More: Free Luggage Facility Introduced for Umrah Pilgrims
Meanwhile, as per the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority, travellers are now only required to show proof of polio vaccination.
Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation stated that this regulation applies to travellers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia and other countries.
Travellers are required to obtain a polio vaccination certificate or an inactivated poliovirus vaccine certificate at least four weeks before arriving in Saudi Arabia.
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