Health risks
Saudi Arabia is a monarchy ruled by a king chosen from and by members of the Al-Saud family. The king rules through royal decrees issued in conjunction with the Council of Ministers, and with advice from the Consultative Council. Members of both councils are appointed by the king. Islamic law is the basis of the authority of the monarchy and provides the foundation of the country's conservative customs and social practices. Saudi Arabia has a modern and well-developed infrastructure, and facilities for travellers are widely available, although the country does not issue visas for tourism except for approved tour groups.
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CRIME: Crime is generally not a problem for travellers in Saudi Arabia. However, private Saudi citizens who perceive that conservative standards of conduct are not being observed by a foreigner may harass, pursue, or assault that person.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in several hospitals and health centers in Saudi Arabia. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Arthropodborne diseases: principally not a problem
- Malaria may occur
- Leishmaniasis
We recommend:
- Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects.
- Usage og insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing
- Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
- Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses.
Water- and foodborne diseases:
Other diseases:
Vaccination recommended:
- Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
- Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
- Typhoid fever - vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region
- Rabies - if risk for contact with wild or domestic animals
- A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.
- Yellow fever when entering from a yellow fever endemic region.
- Meningitis if you are going to Mekka
Stay healthy:
- Wash hands often with soap and water.
- Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans
- Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it
- Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
- Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
- Do not travel at night
- Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful
- Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
- Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
- Malaria prophylaxis is recommended in south ( except in the mountains of Asir Province ) and some rural destinations in the west, use chloroquine
Compulsory vaccinations: yellow fever certificate if arriving from infected areas.
Recommended immunisations: *diphtheria, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, *malaria, *meningitis, polio, *TB, tetanus, *typhoid
* recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month
Risks: malaria exists all year in most of the Southern Region (except in the high altitude areas of Asir Province) and in certain rural areas of the Western Region. There is no risk in Mecca or Medina. Rabies.
Blood transfusion & tissue transplantation risk according to UK BTS:
- Malaria: Yes, High risk in Yemen, Risk in the South and West provinces, No risk in the Eastern Northern and Central provinces Jeddah Mecca Medina and Taif
- Maliaria Risk Category: B
- Trypanasoma Cruzi Risk: No
- Sub Saharan Africa: No
- West Nile Virus Risk: No
- Chikungunya Virus Risk: No
Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations and malaria situation in Saudi Arabia
Food and Water Safety
HIV Risk
Check travelers health risks by CDC before, after and while traveling to Saudi Arabia and prevention before arrival at Saudi Arabia
Travel data, health safety, warnings and recommendations for Canadian who willing to visit Saudi Arabia
