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Saudi Arabia health care and vaccinations

Vaccination identifier Special precautions
Diphtheria

Sometimes
Hepatitis A

Yes
Malaria

Sometimes
Rabies

Sometimes
Tetanus

Yes
Typhoid

Sometimes
Yellow Fever

No*

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).

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers arriving from an infected area.

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 unboiled 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.

Recommended Sites:

Protect yourself from malaria
Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.
(An educational initiative organised and funded by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health. UK/MARK/0173/10 September 2010)
Travel insurance
For residents of over 150 countries. High levels of medical, evacuation, emergency & most adventure activities covered.