PESHAWAR – Umrah pilgrims departing from Peshawar have been granted an extension to travel without vaccination until October 25, according to Border Health Services officials.
Ghulam Murtaza Shah, focal person for Border Health Services, said pilgrims would be permitted to travel without vaccination until 10am on October 25.
After the deadline, unvaccinated travellers departing from Peshawar will no longer be allowed to travel under the temporary exemption.
Officials have advised Umrah pilgrims to obtain the required vaccinations from the Federal Government Medical Centre on Shami Road in Peshawar.
Border Health Services has also issued notices to airlines and travel agents to inform them of the revised deadline and ensure compliance with the updated instructions.
Previously, travellers departing from Peshawar were allowed to travel without vaccination until October 10. The latest extension provides additional time for pilgrims to meet the applicable health requirements.
Meanwhile, Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport has resumed enforcing mandatory vaccination requirements 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. Authorities administer polio, meningitis and other applicable vaccines based on travellers’ destinations and itineraries.
Umrah pilgrims are required to receive polio and meningitis vaccinations, while travellers visiting destinations with yellow fever requirements must 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 provided free of charge.