All passengers travelling for Hajj or Umrah from September 14 will be required to carry proof of vaccination digitally linked with the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).
The new requirement was announced by Border Health Services-Pakistan (BHS-P) through a notice issued on September 7 outlining vaccination rules for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.
The instructions, issued to chief operating officers, cover vaccinations required before departure against polio, meningitis, yellow fever and influenza.
According to BHS-P, passengers will not be permitted to travel from September 14 unless they possess Nadra-integrated proof of vaccination.
The notice further stated that, under the health minister’s directives, the Federal Government Civil Dispensary is the only authorised facility for vaccinating international travellers proceeding for Hajj or Umrah.
Airlines have been asked to ensure that their travel agents clearly inform pilgrims about the new requirement so they do not face difficulties at the time of departure. Only vaccination records linked with Nadra will be accepted for travel.
Airline station managers have also been directed to inform travel agents that Umrah pilgrims must obtain a digital vaccination card linked to Nadra from an authorised vaccination centre before travelling.
Vaccination and online registration facilities are expected to become available at airports in the coming days. Passengers who intend to receive their required vaccination at the airport have been advised to arrive at least six hours before their scheduled flight.
The vaccination fee will be payable through Nadra’s e-Sahulat platform.
