The Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia announced new polio vaccination requirements for persons under the age of 15 travelling to Saudi Arabia.  This requirement has been issued in response to the international spread of poliovirus.

All persons under the age of 15 travelling from countries reporting wild poliovirus are required to show valid and up-to-date proof of vaccination in order to obtain visas for entry into Saudi Arabia.  

In addition, polio vaccinations are mandatory for all persons under the age of 15 arriving from countries reporting wild poliovirus.  These vaccinations will be given at Saudi Arabian border points.  

The World Health Organization's list of countries reporting wild poliovirus includes:  Afghanistan, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan and Yemen.  Please note that this list is subject to change.

Source:  World Health Organization, Weekly Epidemiological Record No. 33, 2005, 80, 277–288

General Information on Polio

Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a highly infectious viral disease caused by poliovirus.  The disease is contracted either indirectly through contaminated water, where sewage and drinking water supplies are not adequately treated, or directly through contact with the faecal matter of an infected individual.  Person-to-person transmission is especially common among children.

The majority of infections are mild with little or no symptoms; however, where acute disease develops, inflammation of the spinal cord and brainstem can lead to paralysis, muscular atrophy, and often deformity.  In severe cases, the disease may lead to death. 

Polio mainly affects children under 3 years of age, but can strike older children and adults as well.

For comprehensive information on the prevention and treatment of polio, consult the Public Health Agency of Canada's Disease Information Backgrounder on Polio.

As a reminder…

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that Canadian international travellers consult a physician or travel medicine clinic six to eight weeks prior to departure for an individual risk assessment.  Based on travellers' current health status, previous immunization history and anticipated travel itinerary, their need for immunizations, including polio, can be assessed.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell upon return to Canada should seek a medical assessment with their personal physician.  Travellers should inform their physician, without being asked, that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada, and where they have been.

Additional information from the Public Health Agency of Canada:

Consult the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel, Statement on Poliomyelitis Vaccination for International Travellers.

Consult the Travel Medicine Program's document:  Immunizations Recommended for Travel Outside of Canada.

Read previous Travel Health Advisories on polio.

Visit the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) to view the Canadian Immunization Guide, 6th Edition.

External sources of information:

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative provides detailed information on country-specific transmission, and immunization activities as well as a global cumulative case count.

Foreign Affairs Canada produces Country Travel Reports.  Before your departure, consult the FAC Travel Report on Saudi Arabia to find out about important information including safety and security conditions.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides contact information on Saudi Arabian embassies and consulates worldwide.