Islamabad, Feb 7: In a significant move to ease the travel process for Umrah pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has announced that it will no longer require the Neisseria meningitis vaccine for entry into the Kingdom. This decision, which will take effect immediately, leaves the polio vaccine as the only mandatory immunization for pilgrims seeking to perform Umrah.
Initially, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) had planned to enforce the meningitis vaccine requirement starting January 7, 2025. However, Saudi authorities reversed the mandate after encountering challenges related to vaccine shortages and reports of fraudulent vaccination certificates in Pakistan. Many Pakistani pilgrims had struggled to access the meningitis vaccine, as there was no central authority overseeing its distribution. In response to the increased demand, a private lab in Islamabad was found to have been issuing fake certificates, prompting Saudi Arabia to withdraw the requirement in order to prevent further complications.
The change in policy has been met with relief by travel operators and health officials, who emphasized that it will reduce the burden on pilgrims and help curb illegal vaccination practices. The decision is expected to simplify the process for many intending travelers, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming Umrah season.
Ahead of the announcement, Pakistan had received a shipment of 37,500 doses of the meningitis vaccine. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) confirmed that 16,000 doses had been sent to Punjab, while the remaining doses are to be distributed across Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. However, for those who still wish to receive the vaccine, private pharmacies in Lahore are offering the vaccine at a cost of Rs. 6,500.
This policy shift marks a positive development for the millions of Muslims traveling to Saudi Arabia for religious purposes, as it alleviates some of the logistical and financial challenges associated with the vaccination requirements.
