Saudi authorities have made the polio vaccine mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims, with a formal notification issued by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GACA). This requirement applies to all Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has directed Umrah operators, the offices of the airlines and pilgrims to ensure that they receive vaccination of polyomyelitis at least four weeks before the exit and take the vaccination certificate with them.
In a statement, the Saudi Embassy website declared:
‘All travelers arriving from polyodemic countries and restored transmission countries, namely Afghanistan, Chad, Nigeria and Pakistan, regardless of age and vaccination status, they should receive 1 dose of polyomyelitis vaccine (OPV) . Proof of the vaccination of the polio is required at least 6 weeks before the exit so that the visitors of the polyodetic and restored transmission countries request an entrance visa for Saudi Arabia and the travelers will also receive 1 doses of OPV to the border points Upon arrival in Saudi. Arabia
According to the Ministry, the vaccine should not be greater than six months at the time of departure, since the breach of this rule could lead to complications for pilgrims.
Saudi officials have also issued a warning that legal measures can be taken against individuals or organizations that do not follow these new regulations. The measure aims to safeguard public health and ensure that Umrah pilgrims remain protected from any possible outbreaks.
