Saudi Arabia has made polio vaccination mandatory for Umrah pilgrims traveling from Pakistan, with authorities requiring proof of vaccination before departure.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued an advisory informing travelers, Umrah operators, and airlines about the new requirement.
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According to the ministry’s statement, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has directed that all Umrah pilgrims from Pakistan must be vaccinated against polio.
Pilgrims must receive the vaccine at least four weeks before their departure and carry a valid vaccination certificate. The vaccination should not be older than six months at the time of travel.
The ministry has urged all Umrah pilgrims to strictly follow this requirement to avoid inconvenience, including possible offloading from flights. Reports indicate that some travelers have already faced issues due to a lack of proper vaccination documentation.
Authorities have reminded all relevant institutions and travelers to comply with Saudi regulations to prevent disruptions and ensure smooth travel for pilgrims.
The ministry’s directive aims to prevent further disruptions and ensure a smooth travel experience for Umrah pilgrims while complying with Saudi Arabia’s health guidelines.
