KARACHI: Pakistani travelers heading to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or Hajj are no longer required to present proof of Neisseria meningitis vaccination, as the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority (GACA) has suspended the mandate.
On Thursday, GACA issued a new circular for travelers from various countries, instructing all airlines operating in Saudi airports, including private carriers, to comply with the updated directive. This decision reverses a previous circular issued last month that made meningitis vaccination mandatory.
Previously, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health had required all Umrah pilgrims to receive the meningitis vaccine, regardless of visa type, ensuring it was administered no more than three years and no less than ten days before arrival.
Now, travelers are only required to provide proof of polio vaccination, as per Saudi Civil Aviation Authority regulations. This requirement applies to travelers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, and other specified countries.
According to GACA, travelers must obtain a polio vaccination certificate or an inactivated poliovirus vaccine certificate at least four weeks before arriving in Saudi Arabia.
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However, transit passengers who complete their journey within 12 hours and remain within the designated transit area are exempt from this requirement.
Airlines have been instructed to thoroughly verify the vaccination certificates of travelers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Mozambique. Non-compliance with these regulations will result in legal action and severe penalties against those responsible.
