Going to Saudi Arabia: Hajj and Umrah vaccines
We are not a Wafid (GAMCA) medical centre, so a Saudi work visa medical happens elsewhere. For Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Paul Yonga, Consultant Infectiologist, gives the meningitis ACWY vaccine and writes each dose down with its date.
Who does the Saudi work visa medical
CA Medlynks and Dr. Paul Yonga are not registered with Wafid (formerly GAMCA). We cannot do your Saudi work visa medical, and an exam done here would not be accepted.
In Kenya, the Saudi work visa medical is done at medical centres registered with Wafid, the Gulf Health Council's system. When we checked on 2026-10-01, its list showed 16 centres in Nairobi and Mombasa. Book as your employer or recruitment agent tells you, and check the current list yourself on the Wafid medical centre search.
The examination and all tests for that medical are done at the Wafid centre. Results from other clinics, including ours, are not used in their place.
Hajj and Umrah: what Saudi Arabia asks for
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health publishes health requirements for each season. For Hajj and Umrah 1447H (2026), this is what applies to travellers from Kenya.
| Vaccine | What the 1447H rules say | At CA Medlynks |
|---|---|---|
| Meningitis ACWY | Required for every pilgrim. A conjugate vaccine counts if given within the last 5 years, a polysaccharide vaccine within the last 3 years, and either at least 10 days before arrival. If the certificate does not name the vaccine type, it counts for 3 years only. | Nimenrix (conjugate), KES 9,000 per dose |
| Polio | Required for travellers arriving from Kenya: at least one dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). | Tdap + Polio (Adacel), KES 10,000 per dose |
| Yellow fever | Required for travellers from Kenya older than 9 months. The certificate is valid for life from 10 days after vaccination. | Not offered. Get it at a designated yellow fever vaccination centre. |
| COVID-19 | Proof required only for some groups, such as people over 65 or with certain long-term conditions. The group differs between the Hajj and Umrah documents. | Not on our vaccine list |
| Seasonal influenza | Recommended | KES 4,500 per dose |
The certificate must show the vaccine name and the date it was given. We write both on your record for every dose.
Rules change each season. The Ministry of Health document for your season and your Hajj or Umrah agent's instructions come first.
Prices
| Item | Unit | KES |
|---|---|---|
| Travel medicine consultation with Dr. Paul Yonga | per visit | 10,000 |
| Meningitis ACWY (Nimenrix) | per dose | 9,000 |
| Tdap + Polio (Adacel) | per dose | 10,000 |
| Influenza | per dose | 4,500 |
Prices are the same as on our travel medicine page. Tell us which vaccines you want before your visit and we'll confirm they are in stock.
What to bring to the consultation
- Your passport
- Every vaccination card or certificate you have, including your Yellow Card
- Your travel dates and your Hajj or Umrah agent's instructions
- Records of any long-term condition or regular medicine
How it works
- Send us your travel datesWhatsApp us your travel dates, whether it is Hajj, Umrah or work, and photos of the vaccination records you have.
- Consultation with Dr. YongaHe checks your records against the current Saudi rules and tells you what is missing.
- Vaccines and a dated recordYou get the vaccines you choose at least 4 weeks before you arrive (10 days minimum for meningitis), and each dose is written down with its name and date.
- Work visa?Book the medical at a Wafid centre from the official list.
Saudi Arabia: questions people ask us
Can CA Medlynks do my Saudi work visa medical (Wafid or GAMCA)?
No. CA Medlynks is not a Wafid (GAMCA) registered medical centre. Book the medical at a centre on the Wafid list, or where your employer or recruitment agent tells you. An exam done here would not be accepted.
How long is the meningitis vaccine valid for Hajj and Umrah?
Under Saudi Arabia's rules for 1447H (2026), a conjugate ACWY vaccine counts if it was given within the last 5 years, and a polysaccharide vaccine within the last 3 years. Either must be given at least 10 days before you arrive. If your certificate does not say which type you had, it counts for 3 years only. The vaccine we use, Nimenrix, is a conjugate vaccine.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, if you are travelling from Kenya and are older than 9 months. CA Medlynks does not offer yellow fever vaccination. Get it at a designated yellow fever vaccination centre at least 10 days before you travel, because the certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination.
Do I need the meningitis vaccine for a Saudi work visa?
The Ministry of Health rules on this page cover Hajj, Umrah and seasonal work in the Hajj areas. For other work visas, ask your employer or recruitment agent. Dr. Yonga can advise at your consultation.
How early should I come?
The meningitis vaccine must be given at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia. Saudi guidance recommends the polio dose at least 4 weeks before arrival. Come earlier if you also need other vaccines, or the yellow fever vaccine from another centre.
Consultant Infectiologist. Head, Infectious Disease and International Health Clinic, CA Medlynks.
Page updated: 2026-10-07 · About Dr. Yonga
Sources we checked
Health rules for Saudi Arabia are set for each Hajj and Umrah season. These are the official documents this page is based on, checked on 2026-10-07.
- Saudi Ministry of Health: Health requirements and recommendations for travelers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, 1447H (2026)
- Saudi Ministry of Health: Health requirements and recommendations for travelers to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, 1447H (2026)
- Wafid (Gulf Health Council): registered medical centres in Kenya
Book a consultation before Hajj or Umrah
Send us your travel dates and vaccination records on WhatsApp. We'll tell you the total before you come in. Daykio Plaza, Off Ngong Lane, Nairobi.