Umrah Vaccination Deadline Extended to October 25 for Peshawar Pilgrims
The Umrah vaccination deadline for pilgrims departing from Peshawar has been extended to October 25. Authorities confirmed on Friday that pilgrims can travel without completing the required vaccinations until 10am on that date, after which no one will be allowed to travel without vaccination.
Ghulam Murtaza Shah, the focal person for Border Health Services, announced the extension. He said Border Health Services had issued notices to airlines and travel agents so that they could inform passengers of the revised schedule.
Umrah vaccination deadline: what changes for Peshawar pilgrims
Pilgrims departing from Peshawar now have two extra weeks to complete their vaccinations. Until the new deadline, they may travel to Saudi Arabia without proof of vaccination. From 10am on October 25, the exemption ends and the vaccination requirement will be enforced.
Pilgrims can receive the required vaccinations at the Federal Government Medical Centre on Shami Road in Peshawar. Authorities advise travellers to get vaccinated in good time before their planned journey so that their documents are in order before they reach the airport.
Umrah pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia must receive polio and meningitis vaccinations, and a NADRA-linked vaccination card is required for travel.
Peshawar’s relief contrasts with Karachi’s enforcement
The extension for Peshawar stands in contrast to the situation in Karachi, where the vaccination requirement is already being enforced. Feature Pakistan reported on October 11 that the Umrah vaccine exemption had ended at Karachi airport, where Border Health Services reopened a 24-hour vaccination centre and resumed mandatory checks for Umrah pilgrims and other international travellers.
That means pilgrims departing from Karachi must already show proof of vaccination, while those flying out of Peshawar have until October 25. The two cities are following different timelines, and passengers should confirm the rules with their airline before travelling.
Vaccination requirement part of Saudi health rules
The vaccination requirement is part of Saudi Arabia’s health regulations for Umrah pilgrims. Saudi authorities require a meningococcal vaccine for pilgrims, and Pakistan’s Border Health Services also administers polio vaccine as part of the arrangements for travellers to the kingdom. Saudi Arabia’s entry rules for Pakistani pilgrims have been updated several times this year, and health requirements apply to Hajj travellers as well.
Border Health Services has been rolling out vaccination facilities at airports and government dispensaries to handle the rush of travellers. With a growing number of Pakistanis travelling for Umrah through the year, officials say passengers should complete their vaccinations early and verify their certificates to avoid delays at departure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new Umrah vaccination deadline for Peshawar?
Umrah pilgrims departing from Peshawar can travel without vaccination until 10am on October 25. After that, vaccination will be mandatory and unvaccinated travellers will not be allowed to depart.
Where can Umrah pilgrims get vaccinated in Peshawar?
Pilgrims can receive the required vaccinations at the Federal Government Medical Centre on Shami Road in Peshawar.
Does the extension apply to Karachi?
No. The extension applies only to pilgrims departing from Peshawar. In Karachi, the exemption ended on October 10 and the vaccination requirement is already being enforced at the airport.
Which vaccines do Umrah pilgrims need?
Umrah pilgrims need polio and meningitis vaccinations under the current arrangements, with a NADRA-linked vaccination card as proof. Travellers should also check any additional requirements for their destination and itinerary.
