Travel Vaccines and Advice for Saudi Arabia

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Saudi Arabia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Saudi Arabia: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

Malaria and dengue are present in some areas of Saudi Arabia. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn if these diseases could affect your travel itinerary.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.

The following vaccines are recommended for Hajj – typhoid, polio, meningitis, hepatitis A, MMR and influenza. Some other vaccines may be recommended based on your personal health history. Proof of meningitis vaccination is required for entry during Hajj.

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage that takes place in Saudi Arabia. The event brings thousands of Muslims and interested individuals to the country every year.

To avoid disease outbreaks and protect the health of citizens and travellers, Saudi Arabia has issues dome vaccine recommendations for during Hajj.

Canadian citizens must obtain a visa for all business and tourism visits to Saudi Arabia. Transit visas are generally not required for 1 short stop within the country such as a flight layover. Any stays more than a few hours may require a visa.

Saudi Arabia Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Saudi Arabia?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Saudi Arabia and Canadian Travel and Tourism

Proof of some vaccinations are required based on visa type and travel itinerary.

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

Saudi Arabia is has a desert climate. During the summer, temperatures can reach anywhere from 40 to 50 degrees.

• Riyadh – The capital suffers the worst heat in the country. It is not unusual for summer temperatures to reach 50 degrees. Winters can go below -1 degrees. Summer evenings are easier to withstand, as cooling winds blow after sunset.
• Jeddah – Unlike Riyadh, Jeddah maintains the warmth of summer throughout the winter. Temperatures can range from 55 to 25 in later months. The summer heat is oppressive, often surpassing 43 during the day. It often cools down to around 30 at night.
• Mecca – The holy city also maintains some of its summer climate during the winter months. In winter, temperatures are usually in the mid-20’s during the day, and drop down to around 15 degrees at night. In summer, Mecca suffers from blistering heat. Temperatures often exceed 45 degrees.

For members of the LGBT community, it is strongly advised not to travel to Saudi Arabia. Homosexuality is punishable by death.

Be careful getting into taxis or taking rides with locals. One of the leading causes of death is due to automobile accidents.

Be mindful of where you leave your belongings, and how you carry them on your person when out in public. Pickpockets are common in urban areas.

Be sure to study local traditions before travelling to Saudi Arabia. Not abiding by Saudi customs can have severe consequences. It is best to learn the culture so as not to stand out when visiting.

A great way to experience Saudi Arabia’s natural gifts is to take part in scuba diving. Diving is popular among foreigners travelling to the country.

Be careful when scuba diving. It can be dangerous and very few Saudi hospitals have the necessary equipment to deal with diving injuries. Do not touch anything underwater and to study the local marine life before taking the plunge. The Red Sea is known to be full of poisonous and aggressive fish. It is best to know the do’s and don’ts.

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Saudi Arabia:

• Medical Supplies – These can be hard to come by in Saudi Arabia. Make sure to include a traveller’s diarrhea kit, prescriptions and a small first-aid kit.
• Breathable Clothing – The climate of Saudi Arabia is one of extreme heat. Wear clothing that is not too thick, and that you wouldn’t mind sweating in.
• Conservative Clothing -Conservative dress styles are strongly encouraged due to cultural customs in Saudi Arabia. This is especially true for women.

Various departments of the Embassy of Canada in Saudi Arabia handle different issues such as trade, visas, passports, etc. Emergency services are available to Canadian citizens only.

Once in Saudi Arabia, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:

Canadian Embassy Riyadh
Diplomatic Quarter,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: 966 (11) 202-3288

If you have any questions about travelling to the Saudi Arabia or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.