Govt extends deadline for Umrah vaccination card until Sept 25
Under the revised arrangement, Umrah pilgrims will be allowed to travel without the NADRA vaccination card until 10am on September 25.
Border Health Services announced the extension and issued a notification regarding the revised deadline.
The decision gives passengers additional time to complete the vaccination process and obtain the required digital vaccination record before the new system is fully enforced.
Why the deadline was extended
The extension comes amid concerns over preparations at airports for implementing the new vaccination system.
Sources in Border Health Services said the Pakistan Airports Authority had not completed the arrangements required for implementing the NADRA Integrated Vaccination Card. The authority had been asked to provide three rooms at Jinnah Terminal to establish vaccination facilities for passengers.
However, the arrangements were reportedly not completed within the original timeline. As a result, authorities decided to extend the deadline to avoid difficulties for Umrah pilgrims and other passengers travelling abroad.
Karachi airport faces capacity concerns
The implementation of the new system has raised concerns over the facilities available at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.
The NADRA vaccination card was scheduled to become mandatory for Umrah pilgrims and certain international travellers. However, only one vaccination centre had been established at Karachi Airport, despite the large number of passengers requiring vaccination services.
The limited facilities could create long queues and delays, particularly during busy travel periods. The extension is therefore expected to give airport authorities more time to establish the required facilities.
NADRA card required for vaccination record
The new system links passengers’ vaccination records with NADRA, allowing their vaccination status to be verified digitally.
The requirement covers vaccinations including polio, meningitis, yellow fever and influenza under the current international travel arrangements. Authorities have directed Umrah pilgrims to obtain their vaccination certificates before departure.
Airlines have also been asked to ensure that passengers meet the vaccination requirements before boarding. Earlier instructions stated that only NADRA-integrated digital vaccination proof would be accepted once the new requirement came into force.
Airport vaccination facilities being arranged
Authorities are also working to provide vaccination and registration facilities at international departure areas. Passengers who need to complete vaccination procedures at the airport have been advised to arrive well before their scheduled flights.
Previous instructions advised such passengers to reach the airport at least six hours before departure to allow enough time for vaccination and documentation. The additional time is intended to help authorities improve arrangements before the vaccination card becomes fully mandatory.
Umrah pilgrims advised to prepare early
Umrah pilgrims have been advised to complete their vaccination requirements as early as possible rather than waiting until the extended deadline. Getting the NADRA vaccination card in advance can help passengers avoid delays at the airport.
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It can also reduce pressure on airport vaccination centres when the new requirement is fully implemented. Passengers should also check their vaccination records and make sure their digital certificate is available before travelling.
Requirement initially focused on Karachi
The vaccination requirement was initially announced for Umrah passengers departing from Karachi.
Current reports indicate that the new restrictions were first being implemented at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, with similar arrangements expected to be introduced at Peshawar, Islamabad and Lahore airports later.
This phased approach is intended to give airport authorities time to establish the required facilities and systems at other international airports. The latest extension is expected to provide additional time for these preparations.
Airlines to verify vaccination certificates
Airlines have also been instructed to make passengers aware of the new requirement. Travel agents are expected to inform Umrah pilgrims about the vaccination rules before their departure.
Airlines may also verify vaccination certificates before issuing boarding clearance once the requirement becomes fully applicable. This is intended to prevent passengers from reaching the airport without the documents needed for international travel.
What Umrah pilgrims should do
Umrah pilgrims should complete their required vaccinations through authorised centres and obtain their NADRA-integrated vaccination certificate before travelling. Those planning to use airport vaccination facilities should arrive well before their flights.
Passengers should also keep their passports and other travel documents available during the verification process. The extended deadline gives pilgrims more time, but completing the process early can help them avoid last-minute problems.
