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DHAKA, Jan 20, 2025 (BSS) —-Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) has issued new guidelines requiring meningitis vaccination for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, in line with Saudi Arabia’s updated health regulations.

This directive will come into effect starting February 10.

HSIA Executive Director Group Captain Kamrul Islam today sent an official letter to all airlines and airport stakeholders, outlining the new requirements.

According to the guidelines, the rule applies to everyone traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, Umrah, or on a visit visa.

 Pilgrims must receive the meningitis vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the vaccination certificate with them during the journey.

However, the directive exempts children under the age of one year from mandatory vaccination.

Additionally, those who have received the vaccine within the last three years are not required to take it again to enter Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Authority had earlier instructed all airlines to implement this rule starting February 10.