KARACHI: Pakistan’s new digital vaccination certificate requirement for polio, meningitis, yellow fever and influenza will initially apply to Umrah pilgrims travelling through Karachi Airport, according to a Border Health Services official.
Dr Syed Murtaza Shah Bukhari, focal person for the Federal Airport Health Department of Border Health Services, told Geo News that from September 14, Umrah passengers departing from Karachi would not be allowed to travel without the required NADRA vaccination certificate.
He said the Federal Government Civil Dispensary has been designated as the only authorized vaccination centre for the process.
Requirement to Expand to Other Airports
According to Dr Bukhari, vaccination requirements will initially focus on passengers travelling to specific destinations and Umrah pilgrims, with similar requirements expected to be extended to Hajj pilgrims later.
He said the immediate implementation would apply to passengers travelling through Karachi, while the requirement would subsequently be extended to Peshawar, Islamabad and Lahore airports.
The official advised Umrah pilgrims to obtain their vaccination certificates from an authorized NADRA vaccination centre before travelling.
Yellow Fever Certificate Required for Certain Travellers
Dr Bukhari said yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for travellers arriving from certain countries in Africa, Central America and South America.
The requirement also applies to passengers who have spent 10 hours or more in transit in affected countries or regions, according to the official.
Passengers aged one year and above entering Pakistan will be required to present the relevant vaccination certificate.
He advised passengers who do not currently have the required certificate to reach the airport at least six hours before departure, as health counters are being arranged at Karachi Airport to facilitate vaccination.
Airlines and Travel Agents Notified
Dr Bukhari said awareness notices had been issued to station managers of airlines and travel agents.
Airlines and travel agents will be responsible for informing passengers about the vaccination requirements and, according to the official, passengers without the required certificates will not be issued boarding passes.
The measures are being introduced as Pakistan strengthens vaccination checks for international travellers, with the requirements expected to expand to additional airports and categories of pilgrims.