Starting from February 1, 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has implemented new health regulations for all travelers arriving from Pakistan. These regulations are part of the kingdom’s efforts to safeguard the health of its citizens and visitors against polio and meningitis, especially considering the large influx of pilgrims for Umrah and Hajj.
Polio Vaccination Requirements
All passengers, irrespective of their visa type, must comply with updated polio vaccination mandates. Travelers need to present a certificate for either the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) or the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV). For the OPV, the certificate must be issued at least four weeks and no more than six months prior to arrival. For the IPV, the certificate should also be issued at least four weeks before arrival but can be valid for up to twelve months.
Meningococcal Vaccination Specifications
Specifically for Umrah pilgrims, the following meningococcal vaccination requirements have been set:
- Polysaccharide Vaccine: Travelers must present a vaccination certificate that has been issued at least 10 days before arrival and not more than three years prior.
- Conjugate Vaccine: The certificate for this vaccine should also be issued at least 10 days before entering Saudi Arabia but is valid for up to five years.
Children under one year of age are exempt from these meningococcal vaccine requirements.
Also Read: Many Pakistanis Deported from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Other Countries Within 24 Hours
Additional Requirements for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims
Apart from the meningococcal vaccine, passengers traveling with a Hajj or Umrah visa must be vaccinated against meningitis. The vaccination certificate for meningitis must be dated no more than three years and at least ten days prior to the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia. This requirement also does not apply to children under one year old.
Certification and Compliance
All vaccination certificates must be issued by an institute that is approved by the Ministry of National Health Services, Pakistan. It is crucial for travelers to ensure that their vaccination documents meet these standards to avoid any entry issues upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Contact for Queries
For further inquiries or clarifications, travelers can contact their local Emirates Team. The contact centre is available at (+9221) 35203377 or 111 CALL EK. It is advisable for travelers to reach out well in advance of their travel dates to ensure compliance with these new regulations.
These updated health requirements reflect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Travelers are encouraged to adhere strictly to these regulations to ensure a smooth entry process and a safe stay in the kingdom.
