Umrah pilgrims departing from Karachi airport will need National Database and Registration Authority's (Nadra) vaccination certificates, with restrictions on travel without a certificate beginning from September 14. The requirement will initially apply to passengers travelling from Karachi, while restrictions will subsequently be extended to Peshawar, Islamabad and Lahore airports.

The vaccination requirements at Karachi airport cover polio, meningitis, yellow fever and influenza. The Border Health Security focal person said that vaccination will be made mandatory for Hajj pilgrims as well, following requirements applicable to Umrah pilgrims and travellers to certain countries.

Dr Murtaza Bukhari said that the Federal Government Civil Dispensary was the only authorised centre for obtaining the required vaccinations. Umrah pilgrims have been advised to obtain their certificates from an authorised Nadra vaccination centre before travelling, while passengers without certificates have been advised to reach the airport at least six hours before departure.

Moreover, travellers arriving from or transiting through Africa, Central and South America will be required to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Health counters are being arranged at Karachi airport to facilitate passengers, and awareness notices have been issued to all airline station managers.