Saudi Arabia requires a meningitis vaccine for every Umrah pilgrim, and it is one of the few documents that can genuinely stop your trip if it is wrong. Here is what you need, where to get it in the United States, and what the paperwork should say.
The requirement
Pilgrims arriving for Hajj or Umrah must show proof of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis, serogroups A, C, W and Y (a quadrivalent ACWY vaccine).
- Who: everyone aged one year and over
- When: at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia
- How long it lasts: 5 years for a conjugate vaccine, 3 years for a polysaccharide vaccine
The requirement exists because meningococcal disease has spread among pilgrims in the past, when millions of people from around the world gather in close quarters.
Which vaccines in the US count
The meningococcal ACWY vaccines used in the United States are conjugate vaccines, which means a properly documented dose is accepted for five years:
- MenQuadfi (MenACYW-TT)
- Menveo (MenACWY-CRM)
You may also see Menactra on older records. It is no longer sold in the US, but a dose within the validity period is still an ACWY conjugate vaccine.
Meningitis B vaccines do not count on their own (Bexsero, Trumenba). They protect against a different serogroup.
Five in one vaccines (MenABCWY, such as Penbraya) include ACWY components. If that is what you received, make sure your record lists it clearly, and tell us so we can check how it will be read before you travel.
Where to get it
- Pharmacies. Many CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid and supermarket pharmacies offer MenACWY for adults. Call ahead, since not every location stocks it.
- Your primary care doctor or pediatrician.
- Travel clinics, which can also advise on other vaccines for your trip.
- County health departments in some areas.
Give yourself at least three to four weeks before your flight. The vaccine must be given 10 days before arrival, and you may need time to find a location with it in stock.
What the certificate should show
Ask for a written record, and ideally have it entered on the yellow International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (form CDC 731), which travel clinics and many doctors can complete. It should show:
- Your full name exactly as in your passport
- Date of birth
- The vaccine name (for example MenQuadfi)
- That it is a quadrivalent ACWY conjugate vaccine
- The date given and batch or lot number
- The provider’s name, signature or stamp
A pharmacy printout usually has most of this. If “conjugate” is not written, the certificate may be treated as a polysaccharide vaccine and accepted for only three years.
Bring the original and keep a photo on your phone.
Children and teenagers
- Under one year old: not required.
- Children: talk to your pediatrician. Not every practice keeps MenACWY in stock for young children, so ask early.
- Teenagers: most American teens receive MenACWY at age 11 or 12, with a booster at 16. Check the dates on their records. If the last dose was more than five years before your trip, they will need another.
Cost and insurance
Many US health insurance plans cover MenACWY, especially where it is recommended for travel. Without coverage, pharmacy prices are commonly somewhere around $120 to $200 per dose. Check your plan before paying out of pocket.
Other vaccines to consider
Saudi Arabia’s formal requirement for travelers from the US is the meningitis vaccine. Saudi health authorities and US travel medicine guidance also recommend:
- The seasonal flu vaccine
- Staying up to date on COVID 19 vaccination
- Routine vaccines such as tetanus
Illness spreads easily among pilgrims. Our guide on staying well on Umrah explains why.
Common problems
- The vaccine was given less than 10 days before arrival.
- The certificate does not say which vaccine or whether it is conjugate.
- A teenager’s last dose was over five years ago.
- The name does not match the passport.
- The certificate is in the checked bag. Keep it in your carry on.
When you book with us, we check your vaccination record along with your passport before we apply for your visa. Request a quote, or read the visa guide for Americans next.
