Vaccination deadline set for Peshawar Umrah travellers

Vaccination has been made mandatory for Umrah pilgrims and passengers travelling on Saudi visit visas from Peshawar.

Vaccination has been made mandatory for Umrah pilgrims and passengers travelling on Saudi visit visas from Peshawar.

According to focal person Ghulam Murtaza Shah, the new requirement will come into effect on October 15. Until October 14, Umrah pilgrims travelling from Peshawar will be allowed to travel without completing the vaccination requirement.

Authorities have established a dedicated vaccination centre at the Civil Surgeon’s Office in Peshawar to facilitate travellers. The centre has 20 counters for men and women to help pilgrims complete the process.

Two National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) facilitation centres are also being established at the vaccination facility. These centres will provide additional services to travellers during the vaccination process.

Shah advised citizens to get vaccinated at least 10 days before their planned journey. The advance vaccination period is intended to ensure that travellers complete the required process before departure.

The vaccination requirement has also been introduced for passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia on visit visas from Peshawar.

Meanwhile, authorities in Karachi have extended the deadline for Umrah pilgrims travelling without vaccination until October 10.

Focal person Dr Murtaza Shah said the extension was granted to provide greater convenience to Umrah pilgrims and improve arrangements for their travel.

Five NADRA facilitation centres have also been established at the Karachi Airport Dispensary to assist passengers with the required documentation and related services.

Shah further said vaccination services would begin at the Jacob Lines Dispensary next week. The facility is expected to provide another option for pilgrims seeking vaccination before travelling to Saudi Arabia.

Authorities have advised prospective Umrah pilgrims to complete the vaccination process well before their departure dates to avoid difficulties at airports and ensure compliance with the latest travel requirements.