Skip to Content

New Umrah Vaccine Requirements 2025 Meningitis Vaccine

This week has been very busy with the Umrah vaccine requirements for meningitis 2025, which is now required for Umrah travellers regardless of what type of visa they hold.

This rule has been dropped now (06/02/2025). You don’t need the vaccine for Umrah. You can find the later information here.

Now, this is nothing new when it comes to the requirements; it was also a requirement for entry into the country in 2024.

However, it was not stated anything as required for a tourist visa or visa waiver, and not many people read the Saudi Ministry of Health announcements.

You can find all the information on the requirements on the Saudi Health Ministry as well as the UK Government website, the NHS website as well and the Pravel Health Pro Org website.

Since it is the beginning of 2025 and agents got hold of the new requirements for the year they have made it compulsory to have that for any packages (as far as I know). Usually, this gets enforced by airlines and agents more so than immigration officers.

Now, I am not saying I don’t get it done because it is very important when it comes to your health or the health of your family, and I do have a full video of why you should always have fully comprehensive insurance rather than rely on the tourist visa one.

This requirement starts from 10th February 2025 according to Etihad hub. And as I mention below it will be verified at check in.

Where can you find information on the Umrah vaccine requirements for meningitis?

Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia meningitis vaccine Umrah requirement

Below you will find all the relevant links for the new Umrah meningitis vaccine for 2025:

Is the new Meningitis Vaccine for Umrah 2025 for a Tourist Visa or Visa Waiver?

Yes, the rules apply that everyone should be vaccinated over the age of 1 yrs old, regardless of the visa type they hold. If you plan on performing Umrah, you need the vaccine.

The reason is that there is always too much crowd, and disease can spread fast. There have been cases of meningitis and polio, as well as yellow fever.

Here is the confirmation from the Saudi tourism office.

Now you will see in the link there are other “optional” vaccines as well as some that are required from high risk countries, where the list of those is also included.

Regarding children in the UK, children part of their immunisation at age 8 or 9 have part of the vaccine. However, I saw on the Travel Pro website stating that the dosage is not enough.

You can find the information in the Instagram post here as well.

Should you take the vaccine, and what if they don’t check?

Here is the deal. The rule has existed for years, and millions have not been checked. I have received emails from people stating they have been however. I believe now, with the whole exposure to the 2025 case, thanks to social media, there will be checks.

Also, you could be refused entry to the country or to perform Umrah, is it worth the risk?

When is the starting date for the Umrah vaccine rule?

I haven’t seen any specific dates mentioned, but I assume that the requirements start immediately. However, some people have indicated that agents are requesting vaccinations by February 1, 2025. Realistically, this article is published in January 2025, and you need to have the vaccine at least 10 days before travelling.

What is the cost of the Umrah vaccine in the UK?

The cost of vaccinations in the UK varies, with many pharmacies charging approximately £50 per person. Be sure to ask for your vaccination certificate, as it is required if you need to provide proof of vaccination. Boots also offers vaccinations, but keep in mind that they must be ordered in advance, so consider the delivery time as well.

If you would like to read more, please visit our comprehensive DIY Umrah directory. Here, you will find in-depth articles on Umrah, hotel reviews, and more.

Share with Friends