Overview
Saudi Arabia asks Hajj and Umrah pilgrims for a meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate: that is what sets the country apart, and it comes from the crowds of the pilgrimage rather than from the territory. For an ordinary trip from Belgium no vaccine is required to enter (yellow fever is asked for only if you arrive recently from an endemic country). Malaria is limited to a low risk in Aseer Province; the rest of the country, including Mecca, Medina and Jeddah, is malaria-free.
Recommended vaccines
Malaria by region
In Aseer Province mosquito-bite protection is enough; preventive tablets are not routinely advised. If fever develops during or after the trip, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
Malaria risk is limited to certain regions, shown below.
Aseer Province, in the south-west of the country: low risk, mosquito-bite protection advised.
The rest of the country, including Mecca, Medina, Jeddah and Riyadh.
Other health risks
Prepare your trip
Leaving in under 2 weeks? Still book a clinic: a first hepatitis A dose already protects, and yellow fever needs at least 10 days. A travel clinic will prioritise what fits your timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Is any vaccine required for Saudi Arabia?
No vaccine is required if you arrive directly from Belgium. Yellow fever is only asked for if you come from (or transit through) a country where it circulates.
Is there a malaria risk?
Malaria: risk limited to certain regions. In Aseer Province mosquito-bite protection is enough; preventive tablets are not routinely advised. If fever develops during or after the trip, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
How far ahead of departure should I start?
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before departure, to complete multi-dose schedules. Yellow fever, where it applies, must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
Our sources
Indicative information for a typical traveller, not medical advice. What you need depends on your itinerary, region, season and duration. See an approved travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure: only they can give yellow fever and issue the certificate.
Entry requirements: Meningococcal ACWY is not required for an ordinary trip, but Saudi Arabia asks Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, children included, for a valid ACWY certificate. The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before arrival; the certificate is valid for 3 years with a polysaccharide vaccine and 5 years with a conjugate one. The Saudi authorities republish the health conditions each pilgrimage season, so have your travel clinic confirm them before you book.
Going for Hajj or Umrah? Read the full ACWY certificate guide →