Saudi authorities have made polio vaccination mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims with a formal review issued by the General Authority Authority (GACA). This requirement applies to all Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has instructed Umrah operators, airline offices and pilgrims to ensure that they receive the polio vaccination at least four weeks before departure and carry the vaccination certificate with them.

In a statement, the Saudi Embassy Web site said:

‘All travelers arriving from polio-endemical countries and restored transmission countries, namely Afghanistan, Tchad, Nigeria and Pakistan, regardless of age and vaccination status, should receive 1 dose of oral polio vaccine (OPV). Evidence of polio vaccination at least 6 weeks before departure is required for visitors from polio-endemically and restored transmission countries to apply for an entrance visa for Saudi Arabia, and travelers will also receive 1 dose of up at border points on arrival in Saudi Arabia. ‘

According to the ministry, the vaccination should not be older than six months at the time of departure, as failure to comply with this rule may lead to complications for pilgrims.

Saudi officials have also issued a warning that lawsuits could be taken against individuals or organizations that do not follow these new rules. The move is aimed at protecting public health and ensuring that Umrah pilgrims remain protected from potential outbreaks.