Umrah pilgrims departing from Peshawar have been granted an extension to travel without vaccination until October 25, Border Health Services officials said.
Ghulam Murtaza Shah, focal person for Border Health Services, said the temporary exemption would remain in effect until 10am on October 25. After the deadline, unvaccinated passengers departing from Peshawar will no longer be allowed to travel under the exemption.
Authorities have advised Umrah pilgrims to receive the required vaccinations at the Federal Government Medical Centre on Shami Road in Peshawar to avoid any disruption to their travel plans.
Border Health Services has also issued notices to airlines and travel agents, directing them to inform passengers about the revised deadline and ensure compliance with the updated instructions.
Previously, Umrah pilgrims travelling from Peshawar had been allowed to depart without vaccination until October 10. The latest extension provides additional time for travellers to fulfil the applicable health requirements.
Meanwhile, mandatory vaccination requirements have been reinstated at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport for Umrah pilgrims and other international travellers following the expiry of a temporary exemption on October 10.
The International Traveller Vaccination Centre near Star Gate in Karachi is providing vaccination services around the clock. Travellers can receive polio, meningitis and other required vaccines depending on their destinations and travel itineraries.
Umrah pilgrims are required to receive polio and meningitis vaccinations, while passengers travelling to destinations where yellow fever vaccination is mandatory must also obtain the relevant vaccine.
According to Border Health Services, the meningitis vaccine costs Rs2,785, while the influenza vaccine is available for Rs1,720. The polio vaccine is administered free of charge.
Authorities have urged pilgrims to complete their vaccination requirements within the specified timeframe to avoid travel-related difficulties.