Nadra-linked vaccination certificate mandatory for pilgrims from Sept 14

Starting September 14, pilgrims embarking on Hajj and Umrah will be required to present a vaccination certificate linked to Pakistan's National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), according to a recent announcement. Border Health Services-Pakistan (BHS-P) issued this directive on September 7, specifying that all passengers must have pre-departure vaccinations against polio, meningitis, yellow fever, and influenza.

From the aforementioned date, no traveler will be permitted to board a flight lacking "Nadra-integrated" proof of vaccination. The federal government's designated center for vaccinating international travelers to these holy sites is the Federal Government Civil Dispensary. All airlines have been instructed to communicate to their travel agents that only Nadra-linked vaccination proof will be accepted for travel.

Furthermore, station managers are asked to inform travel agents that Umrah pilgrims must obtain a "digital vaccine card linked to Nadra from an authorized vaccination center" prior to departure. In the coming days, vaccination and online registration facilities will become accessible at the airport, requiring pilgrims to arrive at least six hours before their flight if they need to be vaccinated there.

The vaccination fee will be settled through Nadra's e-Sahulat platform. In January, Pakistan decided to implement "strict and enhanced health surveillance" at all entry points to curb the cross-border transmission of Nipah virus.