Pakistan Extends Umrah Vaccine Deadline to October 10
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Pakistan has extended the deadline for Umrah pilgrims to obtain the mandatory digital vaccination certificate to October 10, giving travellers an additional 15 days to comply with the requirement.
The extension was announced amid difficulties faced by travellers at vaccination centres in Karachi, where limited facilities have resulted in overcrowding and prolonged waiting times.
Dr Murtaza Shah, the focal person overseeing the arrangements, said the extension was granted to ease the difficulties faced by pilgrims and allow authorities to improve the vaccination and certification process.
Five National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) facilitation desks have now been opened at the Karachi Airport dispensary to assist travellers with the documentation process.
Vaccination services at the Jacob Lines dispensary are also expected to commence next week as authorities seek to expand access to the required services.
The digital vaccination certificates are being issued to Umrah pilgrims and other Pakistanis travelling abroad following the integration of the vaccination system with NADRA.
Pakistan Extends Umrah Vaccine Deadline to October 10
However, the Federal Dispensary near Karachi’s Old Terminal has continued to experience heavy congestion due to the limited number of vaccination facilities in the city.
Travellers reported arriving as early as 8am and waiting for hours to obtain their certificates, with some expressing concern after discovering that their international flights were only a few hours away.
Under the new registration process, travellers are required to register through the NADRA Pak ID application. Those travelling abroad can also register at NADRA e-Sahulat centres.
Influenza and meningitis vaccinations remain compulsory for Umrah pilgrims.
The federal government introduced the digital certificate system after linking the vaccination process with NADRA, with authorities saying the move is aimed at preventing the issuance and use of fraudulent vaccination documents.
The Health Ministry has advised travellers to visit vaccination centres about 10 days before their scheduled departure to allow sufficient time for vaccination and certification.
The extension to October 10 is expected to provide additional time for pilgrims while authorities work to address congestion and improve access to vaccination and certification services.
