Saudi Arabia

Latest update: 13 March 2025 - Authors: Mieke Croughs, Ula Maniewski

Outbreaks

There is a measles outbreak.

This page contains the main health risks for travellers and general recommendations. Travel conditions are different for everyone and each patient's health condition varies. Discuss your trip during a travel consultation with your doctor or in a travel clinic, preferably six to eight weeks before departure.

Read also the information on security, healthcare and other practical aspects on the FPS Foreign Affairs website.

Important health risks

Insects can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and leishmaniasis.

Protect yourself against insects.

Ticks can transmit diseases.

Dogs and other mammals can be infected with rabies.

There is a risk of infection with schistosomiasis when swimming or bathing in lakes and rivers.

You may experience altitude sickness in areas above 2500 metres.

MERS

Read these tips before you leave.

Vaccinations

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers.

COVID-19
Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis
Polio
Measles-mumps-rubella:
- Check your vaccination status. Early measles vaccination is recommended for some young children.

A single booster of polio vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Asia or Africa aged 16 years or older.

The polio vaccination is compulsory for travellers from certain countries where polio occurs (see WHO list of countries vaccination requirements).

Evidence of vaccination against meningococcal ACWY is required for pilgrims to Mecca.

Discuss with your doctor whether one of the following vaccinations is recommended for you:

Yellow fever

Mandatory for some travellers

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Yellow fever vaccination is not necessary if you are travelling from Belgium.

Vaccination is exceptionally compulsory if you have been in certain countries in the past six days. This also applies to transit through an airport.
This vaccination must be administered at least ten days prior to arrival by an official yellow fever vaccination centre and must be registered in an International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis.