Saudi Entry Requirements: Passport, Vaccines & Rules

Before you fly to Saudi Arabia, get the entry essentials right: a valid passport, the correct visa, the required vaccinations, and an idea of the customs rules. Sorting these in advance means a smooth arrival rather than a problem at the desk. This checklist covers what every visitor — and especially every pilgrim — needs. Requirements change; verified July 2026 — confirm on the official portals before travel.

Passport & visa

• Passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry, with blank pages for stamps.
• A valid visa for your purpose — tourist eVisa, Umrah visa, family visit, and so on (most eVisas include mandatory insurance).

Vaccinations

The key requirement for pilgrims: the quadrivalent meningococcal (ACWY) vaccine is mandatory for all Hajj and Umrah travellers aged 1 and over, given at least 10 days before arrival and within the validity window (up to 3 years for the polysaccharide vaccine, 5 years for conjugate). Polio and yellow fever certificates are required for travellers from certain countries — check whether yours is affected. Carry all certificates with your documents, since they may be checked on arrival.

Health insurance

Mandatory medical insurance is bundled into the tourist eVisa fee (and into Umrah-visa insurance), covering emergency treatment during your stay, so most visitors don't buy it separately. For fuller cover, many pilgrims add a comprehensive travel policy — see travel insurance for Saudi.

Customs basics

• Prohibited: alcohol, pork products, narcotics, weapons, and materials against public morals — strictly enforced.
• Declare large sums of cash above the current threshold, on arrival and departure.
• Medicines: carry prescriptions for personal medication; some drugs are controlled, so check in advance.

The full customs picture is in Saudi customs rules.

On arrival

Have your visa, passport and vaccination certificate ready, along with your onward details (hotel, the Nusuk app). Then meet your pre-booked driver for a smooth transfer rather than joining a taxi queue. For packing, see the Umrah packing checklist, and for the whole trip the DIY Umrah guide. Verified July 2026 — confirm current rules before you fly.