The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued new circulars outlining updated vaccination requirements for travellers to Saudi Arabia. These guidelines, aimed at ensuring public health and safety, introduce specific immunisation protocols for various groups of passengers. Below is a summary of the key points.
1. Polio Vaccine (All Visa Types)
- Applicable to: Passengers arriving from or transiting through polio-circulating countries (e.g., Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, etc.).
- Requirements:
- Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): Certificate issued 4 weeks–6 months before arrival. Exception: Passengers travelling between 1–9 February are exempt from the 4-week condition but must vaccinate immediately.
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV): Certificate issued 4 weeks–12 months before arrival.
- Exemptions: Transit passengers not leaving the transit area (transit time ≤ 12 hours).
2. Meningococcal Vaccine (For Umrah Pilgrims)
- Applicable to: Umrah visa holders or those intending to perform Umrah.
- Requirements:
- Polysaccharide Vaccine: Certificate issued 10 days–3 years before arrival.
- Conjugated Vaccine: Certificate issued 10 days–5 years before arrival.
- Exemptions: Children under 1 year old.
3. Yellow Fever Vaccine
- Applicable to: Passengers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever risk countries in Africa and South America (e.g., Angola, Ghana, Brazil, Peru, etc.).
- Requirements: Certificate issued at least 10 days before arrival.
- Exemptions: Children under 9 months old and transit passengers not leaving the transit area (transit time ≤ 12 hours).
General Notes
- Documentation: Passengers must carry vaccination certificates from Ministry-approved institutes.
- Airline Compliance: Airlines must verify passenger compliance before boarding.
- Effective Date: 1 February 2025.
Please ensure strict adherence to these requirements.
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