Umrah Pilgrims Must Meet Vaccination Requirements as Exemption Expires
Pakistan has resumed mandatory vaccination services for Umrah pilgrims and other international travellers following the expiry of a temporary exemption that allowed passengers to travel without the required vaccines.
The exemption ended on Saturday, October 10, prompting the reactivation of the International Traveller Vaccination Centre operated by Border Health Services at the Civil Dispensary near Star Gate at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.
The centre will provide round-the-clock vaccination services for travellers who require polio, meningitis, yellow fever and other applicable vaccines.
The enforcement of mandatory meningitis and polio vaccinations for Umrah pilgrims, along with yellow fever vaccination requirements for travellers visiting certain destinations in Africa and North America, had been postponed twice between September 5 and October 10.
Border Health Services officials said Pakistani passport holders travelling abroad must comply with vaccination requirements applicable to their destinations, transit points and travel itineraries. Travellers have been advised to obtain the necessary vaccinations before departure and ensure their certificates are verified.
Dr Ghulam Murtaza Shah, the Border Health focal person, said arrangements had been made at Karachi airport to administer vaccines and issue vaccination certificates.
He added that vaccination centres in Larkana and Hyderabad would be activated in the next phase to help residents of rural Sindh obtain the required vaccines and certificates without travelling to Karachi.
Dr Shah said overcrowding at the airport health centre was partly caused by travellers arriving without paying the prescribed vaccination fees. Payments can be made through NADRA’s Pak ID application.
The meningitis vaccine costs Rs2,785 at Karachi airport, while the influenza vaccine is priced at Rs1,720. According to officials, meningitis vaccination provides protection for three years, while the influenza vaccine remains effective for one year. Polio vaccination is being provided free of charge.
Under the applicable arrangements, influenza vaccination is relevant for travellers aged one year and above, while meningitis vaccination requirements apply to those aged 12 and above, subject to the relevant travel regulations. International travellers may also need polio vaccination at prescribed intervals, depending on their destination and applicable rules.
Officials said pregnant women would receive only the influenza vaccine under the stated arrangements, while breastfeeding mothers could receive influenza, polio and meningitis vaccines. Foreign nationals have been exempted from the applicable vaccination requirements, according to Border Health Services.
Travellers experiencing difficulties with biometric verification of their vaccination certificates will be referred to authorised staff for assistance. Payment receipts generated through NADRA, Pak ID or e-Sahulat will remain valid for 90 days.
Five NADRA facilitation counters have also been established at the airport dispensary to assist passengers with the process.
Separately, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has introduced special arrangements for passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations amid the prevailing regional situation.
A PAA spokesperson said dedicated counters had been established at Karachi airport and other airports across the country to guide affected passengers, address their concerns and provide necessary information.
The authority has also directed airlines to deploy representatives at airports to ensure passengers receive timely updates regarding flight schedule changes, delays and cancellations.
