NADRA certificate mandatory for pilgrims

KARACHI:

The federal government has made it mandatory for international travellers proceeding for Hajj or Umrah to carry a National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)-integrated digital vaccination certificate, with no other vaccination cards to be accepted from September 14.

According to the directions issued by the National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Minister Mustafa Kamal, the Federal Government Civil Dispensary had been designated as the authorised centre for vaccination of international travellers undertaking Hajj or Umrah.

The directive covers vaccination against polio, meningitis, yellow fever and influenza.

"In order to minimise chaos and discomfort among Umrah pilgrims, it has been requested that all airlines must convey to their travel agents that from now onwards only NADRA-integrated vaccination proofs will be acceptable for travel," the notification issued by Airport Health Officer Dr Sara Saeed read.

She notified that passengers should carry a "NADRA-integrated digitalised vaccination card" at the time of boarding.

The health officer further said the facility of vaccination and online entry at the International departure would be made available "in a few days". She advised the pilgrims to arrive at the airport six hours before their flight if they want to get vaccinated at the airport.

The notice also clarified that the payment for vaccination services would be submitted through the NADRA e-Sahulat platform.

In 2025, Saudi authorities made polio vaccination mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims, with a formal notification issued by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).