Riyadh: The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia has announced the suspension of a directive requiring Umrah pilgrims to be vaccinated against Neisseria meningitis. The mandate, which was initially set to take effect on February 10, 2025, has now been put on hold.
The decision was conveyed through an official circular sent to all airlines operating in the Kingdom, including private carriers. The directive, originally issued on January 7, 2025, required all individuals traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah—regardless of their visa type—to present proof of meningitis vaccination before their journey.
While GACA has not provided specific reasons for the suspension, the move is expected to ease travel requirements for pilgrims planning to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The decision follows ongoing evaluations of public health policies and travel regulations in the Kingdom.
Saudi authorities continue to emphasize the importance of health and safety measures for all visitors, and any future updates regarding vaccination policies for Umrah pilgrims will be communicated through official channels.
Airlines and travel agencies have been advised to update their passengers regarding the latest changes to entry requirements. Pilgrims planning to undertake Umrah are encouraged to stay informed about any further announcements from the Saudi government.
