Polio Vaccination Mandatory to Enter Saudi Arabia from 1st February, 2025

  Last updated on 10 Feb, 2025

In a recent circular from GACA (General Authority of Civil Aviation) of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it has been made mandatory for Pakistani nationals to get polio vaccination before traveling for Umrah.

As per recent update on 9th February, 2025, the Meningitis vaccinations is NO MORE required for Umrah pilgrims. But Polio vaccination will be mandatory, that must be taken at least 4 weeks before arrival into the Kingdom.

Polio Vaccination Requirements to Enter Saudi Arabia

As per the circular, Pakistani nationals departing from Pakistan must obtain polio vaccination keeping in mind following guidelines:

1. Passengers must present a polio vaccination certificate issued at least 30 days prior to arrival
2. Applicable to all passengers holding Umrah visa or any other visa type with intentions of performing Umrah
3. The implementation will start from 10th February, 2025

Exemption from Polio Vaccination

Following passengers are exempt from the vaccination requirements:

1. Children under the age of 1 are exempt from the meningococcal vaccine
2. Passengers transiting Saudi Arabia with destination to a third country and having transit of less than 12 hours at the airport are exempt

Countries Requiring Polio Vaccination before Travel

The requirement has been implemented on all passengers departing or transiting through 24 countries including Pakistan.

The countries are: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania.

Following is the recent circular issued by the authority.

How to Obtain Polio Vaccination in Pakistan

Getting Polio vaccination is straightforward process. Citizens must visit any nearest government or private hospital having a polio vaccination booth with their NIC and passport. After getting the oral vaccination, they will be issued a certified polio vaccination certificate.