The Saudi government has issued new strict guidelines, which has caused significant challenges in airports in recent days. In response to these rules, the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority (GACA) has issued a notice of the requirements.

According to a statement from Pakistan International Airlines (Pia) spokesman Abdullah Khan, it has become mandatory for all travelers on their way to Saudi Arabia to receive a polio vaccination.

Khan explained that travelers must receive polio vaccination at least four weeks before the trip to Saudi Arabia, but it should not be older than six months. The requirement for polio vaccination applies to all travelers, whether on an Umrah visa, a tourist visa or an iqama.

However, he clarified that travelers who have a transit time of less than 12 hours in any Saudi airport are exempt from this requirement.

Khan also stated that the vaccination certificate must carry the stamp for either a government or private hospital. Therefore, all passengers are encouraged to travel to Saudi Arabia to bring their vaccination certificate to the airport.

He emphasized that travelers without the required certificate are not allowed to board flights to Saudi Arabia. These guidelines will be enforced at all airports and by all airlines he added.