KARACHI(The COW News Digital) Pakistan’s Airport Health Department has announced that a NADRA-issued digital vaccination certificate will be required for international travel from September 14, according to local media reports.
Officials have directed airlines to ensure that passengers travelling abroad, including Umrah pilgrims, possess the required vaccination documentation before boarding international flights. Passengers without the specified certificate may not be allowed to proceed with their journey.
The requirement is initially being implemented at Karachi airport, with officials saying similar arrangements will subsequently be introduced at airports in Peshawar, Islamabad and Lahore.
Dr Syed Murtaza Shah Bukhari, a focal person for the Federal Airport Health Department’s Border Health Services, said vaccinations against polio, meningitis, yellow fever and influenza would be required under the new arrangements.
He said the Federal Government Civil Dispensary had been designated as the authorised vaccination centre for passengers seeking the required certificates.
Passengers who need to receive vaccinations at the airport have been advised to arrive at least six hours before their scheduled flight. Health counters are being established at the international departure area to facilitate vaccination and completion of the registration process.
Officials said the arrangements were intended to reduce difficulties for passengers and ensure that required health documentation was completed before departure.
The new requirements will also affect Umrah pilgrims travelling from Karachi. Officials have advised intending pilgrims to obtain their digital vaccination certificates before reaching the airport to avoid delays or complications during the departure process.
Airlines and travel agents have reportedly been informed of the new requirements through official notices. They have been instructed to verify the relevant vaccination documentation before issuing boarding passes to passengers.
Authorities have also highlighted yellow fever vaccination requirements for travellers arriving from countries in Africa and Central and South America. The requirement may also apply to passengers who have spent extended transit periods in affected countries.
According to the health department official, passengers without the required certificates should arrive at least six hours before departure so that vaccination and documentation procedures can be completed at the airport.
The government plans to extend the vaccination requirements to additional airports after the initial implementation in Karachi. Officials have also indicated that similar requirements could eventually apply to Hajj pilgrims in addition to Umrah travellers.
The measures are being introduced as part of Pakistan’s border health arrangements and are intended to ensure that international travellers meet applicable vaccination requirements.
Passengers planning international travel have been advised to check their vaccination status and obtain the necessary documentation well before their departure date to avoid possible boarding or travel complications
