Saudi Arabia Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Typhoid | Sometimes |
| Diphtheria | Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Rabies | Sometimes |
| Malaria | Sometimes |
| Yellow Fever | No* |
* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers arriving from an infected area.
Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Vaccination against meningococcal meningitis is sometimes recommended (mandatory for visitors arriving for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages). Proof of polio vaccination at least six weeks prior to departure is required for visitors from polio-endemic countries.
Health Care
Medical facilities are generally of a high standard, but treatment is expensive. Health insurance is essential.
Food and Drink
All water from the tap should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is cheap and safe. Fresh milk is pasteurised but powdered or boxed milk is also available as an alternative. Avoid dairy products, which are likely to have been made from un-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be washed and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe.
