If you are travelling for Umrah to Saudi Arabia from UK, make sure you are up to date with the latest vaccination requirements. Saudi authorities have just announced that Meningitis ACWY vaccine is now compulsory for Umrah pilgrims. According to the information provided by Saudi ministry of health (MOH), the vaccine should be received at least 10 days prior to the arrival at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. If you already received this vaccine in past then your certificate may still be valid. If you had Meningitis ACWY polysaccharide vaccine then it is valid for three years while Meningitis ACWY conjugated type vaccine is valid for five years.
Although this vaccine is now mandatory for Umrah travelers, certificate checks will begin on February 1, 2025. Your certificate will be verified at the airline desk at the airport before your departure
When do I need to receive my vaccine?
You should receive your Meningitis vaccine at least 10 days prior to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as this is one of the requirements mentioned by the Saudi MOH.
How long is the vaccine valid for?
The Meningitis ACWY polysaccharide vaccine is valid for three years
Meningitis ACWY conjugated type vaccine is valid for five years
Where can I receive Meningitis vaccine?
You can receive this vaccine privately from a GP surgery (if available), or from a local pharmacy. Please note not all pharmacies offer this vaccine, you can ring the pharmacies in your area to enquire. To find the pharmacies in your area, their contact details and opening hours, you can use NHS Find Your Pharmacy service.
Do I need to book an appointment for the Meningitis vaccine at my local pharmacy?
Yes, you will need to book an appointment to receive this vaccine. Pharmacies can sometimes be fully booked for vaccination appointments, so make sure to plan ahead and get vaccinated well in advance. If you are unable to find a suitable appointment, don’t worry – check with other pharmacies in your area. Some pharmacies may be able to offer this vaccine on the same day depending on the availability of the appointments.
What other vaccinations are required for Umrah from UK?
You can find more information about the vaccination requirements for Saudi Arabia at travel health pro.
If you are looking for visa requirements for Umrah, you can find more information in this article.
