KARACHI: Umrah pilgrims departing from Karachi airport will need National Database and Registration Authority’s (Nadra) vaccination certificates, with restrictions on travel without a certificate beginning from September 14.
The requirement will initially apply to passengers travelling from Karachi, while restrictions will subsequently be extended to Peshawar, Islamabad and Lahore airports.
The vaccination requirements at Karachi airport cover polio, meningitis, yellow fever and influenza.
The Border Health Security focal person said that vaccination will be made mandatory for Hajj pilgrims as well, following requirements applicable to Umrah pilgrims and travellers to certain countries.
Dr Murtaza Bukhari said that the Federal Government Civil Dispensary was the only authorised centre for obtaining the required vaccinations.
Umrah pilgrims have been advised to obtain their certificates from an authorised Nadra vaccination centre before travelling.
At present, passengers without certificates have been advised to reach the airport at least six hours before departure.
Moreover, travellers arriving from Africa, Central America and South America will be required to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
The same requirement will apply to passengers who have had a 10-hour transit in Africa, Central America or South America.
Passengers aged one year or above will be required to present the relevant certificate when entering Pakistan.
Dr Bukhari said that health counters were being arranged at the departure area of Karachi airport to facilitate vaccination, with awareness notices issued to station managers of all airlines and travel agents regarding the new requirements.
