Saudi Requires Polio Shots for Travelers from Pakistan
Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued a new circular on Thursday for travelers from various countries.
According to Khaleej Times, the new directive has been sent to all airlines operating in Saudi Arabia’s airports, including private carriers, for compliance, reversing a previous circular issued last month mandating meningitis shots.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health had mandated the meningitis vaccine for all Umrah pilgrims, regardless of their visa type.
The vaccine had to be administered no more than three years and no less than ten days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, travelers now only required proof of polio vaccination, as mandated by the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority.
According to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), this regulation applies to travelers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, and other countries.
Travelers must obtain a polio vaccination certificate or an inactivated poliovirus vaccine certificate at least four weeks before they arrive in Saudi Arabia.
Polio vaccination must be for Pakistani nationals traveling to THIS country
However, those in transit who complete their journey within 12 hours and remain within the transit area will be exempt from this requirement.
Airlines have been instructed to thoroughly verify the vaccination certificates of travelers arriving from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Mozambique. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in legal action and severe penalties against those responsible.
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