PIA official explains Saudi Arabia's new polio vaccination guidelines
The Saudi government has issued new strict guidelines, causing significant challenges at airports in recent days. In response to these regulations, the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority (GACA) has issued a notice detailing the requirements.
According to a statement from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson Abdullah Khan, it has been made mandatory for all travellers heading to Saudi Arabia to receive a polio vaccination.
Khan explained that travelers must receive the polio vaccination at least four weeks prior to travelling to Saudi Arabia, but it should not be older than six months. The polio vaccination requirement applies to all travelers, whether they are on an Umrah visa, a tourist visa, or an Iqama.
However, he clarified that travellers who have a transit time of less than 12 hours at any Saudi airport are exempt from this requirement.
Khan further stated that the vaccination certificate must bear the stamp of either a government or private hospital. Therefore, all passengers intending to travel to Saudi Arabia are urged to bring their vaccination certificate with them to the airport.
He highlighted that travellers without the required certificate will not be allowed to board flights to Saudi Arabia. These guidelines will be enforced at all airports and by all airlines, he added.
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