KARACHI: The new digital vaccination requirements for polio, meningitis, yellow fever and influenza will apply only to Umrah pilgrims departing from Karachi Airport, officials have clarified.
Speaking to Geo News, Federal Airport Health Department and Border Health Services focal person Dr Syed Murtaza Shah Bukhari said that passengers travelling for Umrah from Karachi Airport will be required to carry a NADRA digital vaccination certificate after September 14.
According to Dr Murtaza, Umrah passengers departing from Karachi Airport will face travel restrictions if they do not possess the required vaccination certificate after the new deadline comes into effect.
He clarified that the vaccination requirement is specifically applicable to Umrah pilgrims travelling through Karachi Airport and does not represent a blanket requirement for all air passengers departing from the airport.
The vaccines covered under the requirement include polio, meningitis, yellow fever and influenza, depending on the applicable health requirements.
Dr Murtaza said that the Federal Government Civil Dispensary has been designated as the only authorized centre for vaccination under the new arrangement. Umrah pilgrims who need to obtain the required vaccinations should therefore approach the authorized facility to complete the process and obtain the relevant digital documentation.
The introduction of digital vaccination certification is part of broader health-screening measures for international travellers, particularly those travelling to countries or destinations where certain vaccination requirements apply.
Dr Murtaza further said that vaccination requirements would eventually be extended to other categories of travellers. Following the implementation for passengers travelling to specified countries and Umrah pilgrims, vaccination would also become mandatory for Hajj pilgrims.
The clarification is particularly important for Umrah travellers preparing to depart from Karachi, as failure to meet the vaccination and certification requirements could result in travel restrictions after September 14.
Pilgrims are therefore advised to complete the required vaccination process in advance rather than waiting until the date of departure. They should also ensure that their vaccination information is properly recorded and that they have the required NADRA digital certificate before reaching the airport.
Health authorities are expected to verify vaccination documentation as part of the airport health procedures. Travellers without the required certificate may not be permitted to proceed with their journey under the new arrangements.
The vaccination measures are intended to help prevent the international spread of communicable diseases and ensure compliance with health requirements associated with international travel.
For Umrah pilgrims, the requirement adds another important step to the travel preparation process. Along with passports, visas and airline documents, eligible passengers will need to ensure that their vaccination status meets the applicable requirements.
The Federal Airport Health Department has also emphasized that the Federal Government Civil Dispensary is the authorized vaccination centre under the arrangement. Pilgrims should therefore obtain their vaccinations through the designated facility to avoid problems with certification or verification at the airport.
The authorities’ clarification also distinguishes between the vaccination requirements for Umrah pilgrims and those for travellers heading to specific countries. The current digital certification requirement highlighted by the official applies to Umrah passengers departing through Karachi Airport.
Dr Murtaza said the policy would subsequently cover Hajj pilgrims as well, meaning that vaccination and digital certification are likely to become an important part of preparations for future Hajj travel.
With the September 14 deadline approaching, Umrah pilgrims travelling from Karachi are advised to make the necessary arrangements well before their flights. Completing the vaccination process early can help avoid delays and possible travel restrictions at the airport.
The health authorities have reiterated that the new requirement concerns the specified vaccinations and the corresponding digital certification. Pilgrims should remain informed about any additional health requirements issued by Pakistani or Saudi authorities before travelling.
In summary, the new arrangement means that Umrah pilgrims departing from Karachi Airport will need the required NADRA digital vaccination certificate after September 14. The applicable vaccinations include polio, meningitis, yellow fever and influenza, while the Federal Government Civil Dispensary has been designated as the authorized vaccination centre.
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