The Saudi government has issued new strict guidelines, causing significant challenges in airports in recent days. In response to these regulations, the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority (GACA) has issued a notice that details the requirements.
According to a statement by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Abdullah Khan spokesman, it has become mandatory for all travelers who go to Saudi Arabia to receive a vaccination against polyomyelitis.
Khan explained that travelers should receive the polyomyelitis vaccine at least four weeks before traveling to Saudi Arabia, but should not be longer than six months. The polyomyelitis vaccination requirement applies to all travelers, whether they are in a Umrah visa, a tourist visa or an IQAMA.
However, he clarified that travelers who have a transit time of less than 12 hours at any Saudi airport are exempt from this requirement.
Khan also declared that the vaccination certificate must support the seal of a private government or hospital. Therefore, all passengers are urged to intend to travel to Saudi Arabia to take their vaccination certificate to the airport.
He stressed that travelers without the required certificate may not address flights to Saudi Arabia. These guidelines will be applied to all airports and by all airlines, he added.
