Measures taken by the Government of Saudi Arabia to combat the spread of H1N1 virus during the Hajj season

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation was advised by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia during August 2009 that the following additional requirements will be in force for the Hajj season for this year, 1430 Hijri (2009):

QUOTE

• Pilgrims from all over the world are required, this year, to provide a valid vaccination certificate against the seasonal flu, two weeks prior to being granted the Hajj visa.

• If the vaccine is available internationally, it will be requested that two weeks prior to being granted the Hajj Visa, the pilgrims are required to provide a vaccination certificate against H1N1 flu.

Experts are advising that children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with chronic diseases postpone Umrah and Hajj this year for their own safety.

UNQUOTE

Pilgrims are also advised to ensure awareness of protection measures pertaining to H1N1.  As entry requirements onto the territory of a sovereign state is considered exclusively by that state the onus remains with each individual traveller to verify requirements with the responsible foreign mission in South Africa, in this case the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.