The Ministry of Health has banned pilgrims from entering the country with food that is not canned or is not in containers that can be opened easily for inspection. The ministry also requires pilgrims of countries afflicted with yellow fever to present a valid inoculation certificate against the disease as per international health regulations. The certificate must state the pilgrim was vaccinated no more than 10 years ago and no less than 10 days before arrival in the Kingdom. The ministry, in its 2011 visa health requirements summary for those coming to perform Umrah and Haj, stated that airplanes, ships and any other transportation carrying pilgrims from regions afflicted with yellow fever must present certificates stating the mode of transport underwent pest control procedures and is free of mosquitoes. Those coming for Haj or Umrah or for work at Haj areas are required to present a valid certificate of vaccination against meningitis no less than 10 days before arrival and no more than three years ago. The home country's healthcare body should make sure it vaccinates each pilgrim, including children older than two years of age, with one dose of Meningococcal ACYW135 vaccine. The ministry said it inoculates pilgrims with preventive doses at entry points to reduce the possibility of the disease spreading. Pilgrims from countries where pediatric Poliomyelitis still exists, will need certificates of vaccination against the disease, six weeks before arrival in the Kingdom, for all ages. Another dose of inoculation will be given to them on arrival regardless of age. The ministry advised all pilgrims to vaccinate against seasonal flu. In case of an emergency – the spread of a highly infectious disease – Saudi healthcare authorities are entitled to use any preventive measures, not cited in these requirements, in coordination with the World Health Organization. This is to prevent the spread of infection among pilgrims. __
