NADRA extends deadline for mandatory vaccine certificate for international travel

ISLAMABAD: The deadline for making NADRA-issued vaccination certificates mandatory for citizens travelling abroad has been extended until September 25.

Earlier, on September 7, the Ministry of National Health Services had informed the Pakistan Airports Authority that, from September 14, international passengers travelling from all airports for Hajj or Umrah would not be allowed to travel without vaccination proof issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

In response to the directive, Karachi airport authorities reportedly recommended postponing the implementation deadline from September 14 to at least October 1, citing the risk of severe disruption to airport operations due to the sudden enforcement of the requirement without adequate planning.

Passengers had also complained about difficulties in meeting the new requirement at short notice and obtaining their vaccination certificates. NADRA subsequently issued guidelines explaining the procedure for obtaining digital proof of vaccination after receiving the required vaccines.

According to the latest notification, the Ministry of National Health Services has extended the deadline for passengers to provide vaccination proof at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, until September 25.

The ministry clarified that passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, employment or any other purpose and intending to stay there for more than six months will be required to receive influenza, meningitis and polio vaccinations before travelling.

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