Mandatory Polio Vaccination for Pakistani Passport Holders Traveling to Saudi Arabia

When traveling to Saudi Arabia, Pakistani passport holders must fulfill one crucial requirement: polio vaccination. According to Saudi authorities (GAAGA), all Pakistani travelers—regardless of their visa type—must be vaccinated against polio before entering the Kingdom.

A common question arises: What if a traveler is flying to Saudi Arabia from Bahrain, Qatar, Dubai, or any other country instead of directly from Pakistan?
The answer is clear: Yes, polio vaccination is still mandatory.

This condition is not based on the country of departure but specifically on the passport nationality. Therefore, every Pakistani passport holder, no matter where they start their journey, must present a valid polio vaccination certificate to enter Saudi Arabia.

Why is Polio Vaccination Required?

Pakistan remains one of the few countries in the world where polio cases are still reported. To prevent the virus from spreading internationally, health authorities have made polio vaccination a compulsory requirement for Pakistani travelers.

Where to Get Polio Vaccination in Pakistan?

Pakistani travelers can get polio vaccination from multiple sources:

• Government Hospitals (THQ Level or Above):
  Vaccination at any government hospital ensures your record is entered into the NADRA database, making it officially verifiable.

• Private Laboratories:
  Vaccination from recognized private labs is also acceptable, provided the certificate is issued by the lab and contains a QR code for verification.

• Yellow Card from Government Hospitals:
  The traditional yellow vaccination card issued by government facilities is also valid.

👉 However, the best option is to get vaccinated at a government hospital, ensure NADRA entry of your record, and then obtain an official NADRA polio vaccination certificate for smooth travel.

Traveler Guidelines

• Vaccination must be taken within the last six months before traveling.

• Always carry your vaccination certificate during your journey.

• Without valid proof of vaccination, Pakistani passport holders may be denied boarding or entry into Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion

For Pakistani passport holders, polio vaccination is non-negotiable when traveling to Saudi Arabia—whether for Umrah, Hajj, work, or visit visas. Ensure that you are vaccinated on time, preferably at a government facility with NADRA entry, to avoid last-minute hassles and enjoy a smooth travel experience.