“Visas would only be issued on production of vaccination certificates against diseases that are endemic in respective countries, such as meningitis, yellow fever and polio.

Vaccination against meningitis is compulsory on all pilgrims,” a spokesman for the Ministry of Health told ‘Arab News’.

“A circular has been dispatched to all the Saudi missions from the Foreign Ministry to adhere strictly to the stipulations made by the Ministry of Health when issuing Umrah and Haj visas,” he added.

The vaccination, which is valid for three years, should be taken “10 days before the pilgrim’s departure” to the holy cities of Mecca and Madinah.

Polio vaccination is a pre-requirement for children under 15 from African countries, Yemen, Nepal, India and Pakistan.

The ministry has also advised prospective pilgrims to take injections against seasonal influenza, an illness that can easily turn fatal for pilgrims who suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiac, renal and wheezing problems.