ISLAMABAD: Pakistani travelers heading to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or Hajj are no longer required to provide proof of Neisseria meningitis vaccination, as the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the requirement.
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued a new circular reversing its previous directive that mandated the meningitis vaccine for all Umrah pilgrims, regardless of their visa type. The updated rule applies to travelers from multiple countries and has been communicated to all airlines operating in Saudi Arabia, including private carriers.
Previously, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health required Umrah pilgrims to receive the meningitis vaccine between three years and ten days before their arrival.
Polio Vaccination Still Mandatory
While the meningitis vaccine requirement has been lifted, travelers must still provide proof of polio vaccination, as per Saudi aviation regulations.
According to GACA, this rule applies to travelers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, and other designated countries. Passengers must obtain a polio vaccination certificate or an inactivated poliovirus vaccine certificate at least four weeks before their arrival in Saudi Arabia.
However, transit passengers who remain within the airport and complete their journey within 12 hours are exempt from this requirement.
Strict Compliance for Airlines
Airlines have been instructed to strictly verify vaccination certificates for passengers arriving from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Mozambique. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in legal action and severe penalties against those responsible.
