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Pakistan extends Umrah vaccination certificate deadline to September 25 amid travel concerns
The Health Ministry of Pakistan has extended the deadline for Umrah pilgrims to obtain the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) vaccination certificate until September 25, 2026. This decision comes after the initial deadline of September 14, 2026, was set, causing difficulties for pilgrims due to limited vaccination centers. The Ministry of Health advised travelers heading abroad to apply for vaccinations at least 10 days before departure. The vaccination requirements cover polio, meningitis, yellow fever, and influenza. Pilgrims can now travel without the Nadra vaccination certificate until the new deadline. The Federal Civil Dispensary near Jinnah International Airport's old terminal was the only authorized center for vaccinations, leading to challenges for travelers. The Ministry emphasized that travelers must register on Nadra's Pak ID app or visit Nadra e-Sahulat centers. The government has digitalized vaccinations by linking them with Nadra to prevent forgery. This extension provides relief to thousands of pilgrims planning to travel for Umrah. The requirement was initially applied to passengers traveling from Karachi, with plans to expand to other airports including Peshawar, Islamabad, and Lahore. Additionally, travelers arriving from Africa, Central America, and South America will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. The Ministry also stated that vaccination will become mandatory for Hajj pilgrims following Umrah requirements. Dr. Murtaza Bukhari confirmed that the Federal Government Civil Dispensary is the sole authorized center for vaccinations. Pilgrims are advised to obtain their certificates from authorized Nadra vaccination centers before traveling. This decision follows a previous notification that required Umrah pilgrims to have the vaccination certificate by September 14, 2026, which was the original deadline.