Malik Waqar
Saudi authorities have made polio vaccination mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims, with a formal notification issued by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). This requirement applies to all Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has directed Umrah operators, airline offices, and pilgrims to ensure that they receive the polio vaccination at least four weeks prior to departure and carry the vaccination certificate with them.
In a statement, the Saudi embassy website stated:
‘All travelers arriving from polio-endemic countries and re-established transmission countries, namely, Afghanistan, Chad, Nigeria and Pakistan, regardless of age and vaccination status, should receive 1 dose of oral polio vaccine (OPV). Proof of polio vaccination at least 6 weeks prior to departure is required for visitors from polio-endemic and re-established transmission countries to apply for an entry visa for Saudi Arabia and travelers will also receive 1 dose of OPV at border points on arrival in Saudi Arabia.’
According to the ministry, the vaccination should not be older than six months at the time of departure, as failure to comply with this rule could lead to complications for the pilgrims.
Saudi officials have also issued a warning that legal action could be taken against individuals or organizations that fail to follow these new regulations. The move is aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring that Umrah pilgrims remain protected from any potential outbreaks.
