Polio Vaccination
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially mandated polio vaccination for all Pakistani pilgrims intending to perform Umrah, emphasizing strict adherence to this health requirement. The new directive aims to protect public health and ensure compliance with international travel regulations.
According to a spokesperson from the ministry, all Umrah pilgrims must receive the polio vaccine before their departure to Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims are required to be vaccinated at least four weeks prior to their travel date, and the vaccine must not be older than six months at the time of departure.
Each traveler must also obtain an official vaccination certificate as proof of immunization, which will be checked by relevant authorities before allowing entry into the country.
To ensure full compliance, the government has issued stringent guidelines for Umrah operators, travel agencies, and airlines. These stakeholders have been directed to verify the vaccination status of all pilgrims before issuing tickets or boarding passes.
The ministry has made it clear that any failure to meet these requirements could lead to passengers being offloaded from their flights at the last minute, causing disruptions in travel plans.
Authorities have also warned that strict legal action will be taken against any individuals or organizations found violating these regulations.
Umrah operators and airline personnel have been urged to exercise due diligence in implementing the vaccination requirement, preventing unvaccinated individuals from boarding flights to Saudi Arabia.
The decision comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to eradicate polio and prevent the spread of the virus internationally. Pakistan remains one of the few countries where polio is still a concern, prompting heightened vigilance from both local and global health authorities.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has reassured pilgrims that these measures are in place to safeguard public health and facilitate smooth travel arrangements.
Pilgrims are strongly advised to schedule their vaccinations well in advance and secure the necessary documentation to avoid any last-minute inconveniences.
The ministry has urged travelers to stay informed about the latest guidelines and comply with all health requirements to ensure a hassle-free Umrah journey.
