A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers arriving from affected countries.

Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists throughout the year in all areas except the Eastern, Northern and Central Provinces, the high altitude areas of Asir Province, and the urban areas of the Western Province (Jeddah, Mecca, Medina and Taif). Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. The recommended prophylaxis is chloroquine plus proguanil.

Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival is advisable. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools, which are well chlorinated and maintained, are safe. Hepatitis A occurs and hepatitis B is endemic. Visceral leishmaniasis occurs in the southwest of the country.

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products, which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. It is advisable to avoid salad and mayonnaise. Try to eat only cooked vegetables and peeled fruit.

Note: (a) During the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Saudi Arabia requires vaccination of pilgrims against meningococcal meningitis. Although this applies mainly to pilgrims, other travellers may find themselves affected, especially during the month of August. Vaccination is compulsory all year round but nationals of Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea (Rep), Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Sudan. (b) Nationals of CIS countries arriving for the Hajj require vaccination against diphtheria.

Health care: Medical facilities are generally of a high standard, but treatment is expensive. Health insurance is essential.

Saudi Arabia is a very safe country and street crime is almost unknown. But petty thefts, especially from cars, are a problem. You have to also be very careful about the unsafe manner in which the Saudi Arabians drive, which can sometimes border on recklessness.