Is the meningitis vaccine compulsory for Umrah, and when should I take it?

The rule (Saudi Ministry of Health, Umrah 1447H / 2026)

• Who: all individuals intending to perform Umrah, from all countries.
• Which vaccine: a quadrivalent ACYW conjugate vaccine (or ACYWX conjugate) received within the last 5 years, or an ACYW polysaccharide vaccine within the last 3 years.
• When: at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.
• Certificate: it should state the vaccine name and date. If the type isn't written, the vaccine is treated as valid for 3 years only.

Also from the same document

• Pilgrims over 65, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic conditions (heart, lung, kidney failure, sickle cell or thalassaemia, immunodeficiency, cancer, chronic neurological disease) need proof of COVID-19 vaccination or immunity.
• India is not on the polio or yellow-fever lists, so those certificates are not required for travellers from India.
• Seasonal flu vaccination and routine immunisations are recommended.

Practical tips

• Get the vaccine early, keep the certificate with your passport, and carry a photo of it on your phone.
• Your doctor will advise on the right vaccine for children and anyone with a health condition.

Next step: our packing checklist covers medicines and documents to carry.