Karachi airport extends vaccination deadline for Saudi travellers

Authorities have extended the deadline for implementing mandatory vaccination verification for passengers travelling

Authorities have extended the deadline for implementing mandatory vaccination verification for passengers travelling from Karachi to Saudi Arabia by one month, giving Umrah pilgrims and other travellers additional time to meet the requirements.

According to the revised schedule, verification of mandatory vaccination certificates at Karachi airport will begin at 10am on November 20. The extension postpones the earlier deadline of October 15, after which passengers without the required vaccination cards were due to face restrictions on travel.

The measure applies to Umrah pilgrims and other passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia from Karachi. Airport authorities have been taking steps to ensure that travellers comply with the vaccination requirements before departure.

Under the existing arrangements, passengers are required to receive the necessary vaccinations at least 10 days before travelling. A government dispensary at Karachi airport has been providing vaccination services around the clock to facilitate passengers.

The facility is intended to help travellers complete the required procedures before departure. Emergency vaccination services have also been made available in the airport’s departure lounge for pilgrims and other passengers arriving from distant areas who need urgent assistance.

The deadline extension follows an earlier recommendation by Karachi airport authorities to postpone the requirement for mandatory digital vaccination cards. The move is intended to provide additional time for passengers and relevant authorities to prepare for the implementation of the new arrangements.

Separately, vaccination requirements for Pakistani passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia have also included mandatory polio vaccination, reflecting the health precautions applicable to international travellers.

Passengers planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or other purposes should ensure that they obtain the required vaccinations within the prescribed timeframe and carry valid vaccination documentation to avoid difficulties at the airport.

The revised implementation date gives travellers until November 20 to prepare for the verification process at Karachi airport.