Questions Raised Over Umrah Vaccination Charges for Pakistanis

Saudi Arabia does not mandate Pakistani Umrah pilgrims to receive a seasonal influenza vaccine, as per the kingdom's official health guidelines for the 2026 Umrah season. Instead, the Saudi health requirements stipulate that all Pakistani pilgrims must receive a meningococcal vaccine and at least one dose of either the bivalent oral polio vaccine or the inactivated polio vaccine.

Pilgrims must obtain the meningococcal vaccine at least ten days prior to their arrival in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Saudi authorities require COVID-19 vaccination, prior primary vaccination, or proof of recovery for pilgrims over the age of 65, pregnant women, and those with specific chronic conditions.

While Saudi Arabia classifies seasonal influenza as a health recommendation rather than a mandatory vaccination requirement, Pakistan's Border Health Services (BHS) reportedly charges Rs. 4,500 for three vaccines, namely polio drops, meningococcal, and influenza vaccines, along with a NADRA-linked vaccination certificate. However, Murtaza Shah, a BHS official, could not locate a provision in the Saudi regulations that supports the claim that the influenza vaccine is mandatory.

The report also highlighted that Pakistan's Expanded Programme on Immunisation provides polio vaccines free of charge. Health professionals have called for clarification over the Rs. 4,500 charge and a clear explanation regarding which vaccines Saudi Arabia requires and which ones are recommended.