No need of vaccination certificates: UAE

The United Arab Emirates on Thursday withdrew its requirement demanding all Pakistani travellers to produce a Covid-19 vaccination certificate duly attested by the Foreign Office and the UAE Embassy in Islamabad.

“The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Islamabad, would like to clarify that the vaccination certificate of Covid-19 is not considered currently a requirement for travel to the UAE,” the UAE Embassy in Pakistan said in a tweet.

Earlier, the UAE authorities had conveyed to the government to require all visitors from August 1 to get their vaccination certificates issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) attested by the FO and the UAE embassy before proceeding with other paperwork.

The development came after the FO’s discussion with the embassy concerned on the matter. In its daily briefing, the FO spokesperson said that authorities have received some new guidelines from the UAE Embassy and they were in contact with them on the issue.

The spokesperson was responding to the vaccination certificate query by the UAE.

To further clarify the development, the embassy had made another tweet to confirm the requirement.
“The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Islamabad, would like to clarify that the attestation of vaccination certificate of Covid-19 from the Embassy is not considered currently a requirement for travel to the UAE,” it read.

However, it would be mandatory for local travellers to carry the Nadra issued vaccination certificate, according to media reports.

On Saudi Arabia guidelines for travellers, the FO said: “We are fully cognisant of the difficulties being faced by Pakistani citizens due to Covid-19 related travel restriction. We are in contact with the relevant Saudi authorities to mitigate the difficulties faced by Pakistani nationals in this regard.”

As for vaccines, the FO spokesperson said that they have proposed inclusion of some of the Chinese vaccines used in Pakistan and approved by World Health Organization (WHO) to the list of vaccines approved by the Saudi authorities.

“We are actively pursuing this matter with the Saudi side,” he added.

Meanwhile, Qatar has resumed its visa-on-arrival facility for Pakistani travellers that would further boost the relationship.

Pakistani nationals could obtain a tourist visa valid for 30 days by paying a fee of QAR 100, which can be extended for a similar period, as per the Qatar’s immigration policy for tourist visa upon arrival, read an official document.

“Pakistani travellers will be required to have a passport valid for at least six months, confirmed return ticket, polio vaccination certificate and confirmed hotel reservation,” it read.

They would also be required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with vaccines approved by Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health, having completed a period of 14 days after the last dose before travel. Moreover, travellers would need to present negative PCR test results carried out within 48 hours prior to arrival.

“Travellers will have to undergo electronic registration on the Ehteraz platform to obtain the public health ministry's approval before travelling,” the notice read.