What vaccines do I need for Saudi Arabia?

Required: Meningococcal ACWY (required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims), Polio (for travelers from polio-endemic countries). Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Seasonal Influenza.

Is tap water safe to drink in Saudi Arabia?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Saudi Arabia. Drink bottled or treated water throughout your trip, including in resort areas.

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Middle East

Saudi Arabia Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Saudi Arabia has a relatively contained travel health risk profile for most destinations within the country, but the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages create unique high-density transmission risks for respiratory and meningococcal disease. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) is endemic in the Arabian Peninsula and associated with camel contact. The Saudi Ministry of Health mandates meningococcal vaccination for all pilgrims arriving for Hajj and Umrah.

Food Safety: Moderate Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Saudi Arabia

Required for Entry

Meningococcal ACWY (required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims)
Polio (for travelers from polio-endemic countries)

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Seasonal Influenza

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Saudi Arabia

Malaria Risk

Malaria risk is limited to the southwestern Asir region bordering Yemen, particularly in rural and agricultural areas below 2,000 meters. P. falciparum predominates in this zone. No malaria risk in Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, or other major cities.

Food and Water Safety

Moderate Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Bottled water is widely available and recommended over tap water in most areas. Food safety standards in major cities and hotels are generally adequate. During Hajj and Umrah, the volume of pilgrims increases foodborne illness risk at communal eating areas; choose freshly prepared hot foods.

Key Health Tips for Saudi Arabia

Avoid direct contact with camels and do not consume raw camel milk or products, as MERS-CoV circulates in Omani and Saudi camel populations and poses a risk of human infection.
Hajj and Umrah pilgrims must ensure meningococcal ACWY vaccination was received within the past 5 years; high-density crowd conditions create significant meningitis transmission risk.
During summer months, temperatures in Mecca and Medina regularly exceed 45 degrees Celsius; heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening risk requiring aggressive hydration and shade.
Respiratory illnesses spread rapidly during the pilgrimage season; wear a well-fitted mask in crowded areas and practice frequent hand hygiene.

Disease Risks in Saudi Arabia

Official Resources

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