Saudi Public Health Authority issues summer travel health advisory
Know before you go
Saudi Arabia’s Public Health Authority (Weqaya) has urged travellers heading out of the country to follow health and preventive guidelines during the summer travel season. Here’s everything you need to know about the Saudi summer travel health advisory.
The Public Health Authority has warned travellers against complacency as global travel increases the risk of exposure to infectious diseases. The Saudi summer travel health advisory has been issued for the safety of travellers both leaving and re-entering the Kingdom.
The authority said it continues to monitor the global epidemiological situation in coordination with international health organisations, including outbreaks of Hantavirus, Ebola virus disease, yellow fever and seasonal influenza in several countries, per Saudi Gazette.
What you need to do
- Maintain good personal hygiene
- Wash hands regularly
- Ensure food and water safety
- Use insect repellents and appropriate clothing to protect against mosquito bites
- Securing adequate health insurance coverage before travelling
Check these before you check in for the flight
The authority urged travellers to check the health status of their destinations before departure and review official health advisories and entry requirements, including mandatory vaccinations where applicable, particularly the yellow fever vaccine for travel to endemic areas or countries requiring proof of vaccination.
The authority also advised travellers to avoid contact with people showing signs of illness, stay away from wild animals, rodents and their habitats, and avoid travelling to areas experiencing disease outbreaks unless necessary. It also urged travellers to follow the health guidance issued by authorities in their destination countries.
The authority has also stressed that travellers need to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms during their trip or after returning to Saudi Arabia, particularly if they have visited outbreak-affected areas or had direct contact with infected individuals, animals or high-risk environments. Travellers should inform healthcare providers of their travel history and any potential exposure to facilitate prompt diagnosis and appropriate public health measures.
