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If you are flying out of Pakistan for Umrah, work, study, or travel there is something you need to know before you reach the airport. Starting September 14, 2026, the Government of Pakistan's Airport Health Department has made it mandatory for all international travelers to carry a NADRA integrated vaccination certificate. No other vaccination card will be accepted at the airport from this date forward.
This is a significant change that affects every Pakistani traveling abroad and with the announcement arriving just days before the deadline, many travelers are scrambling to understand what is required and what to do.
Here is everything you need to know.
What Has Changed?
The Airport Health Department, under the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, has issued a directive requiring all passengers departing from Pakistani airports on international flights to present a NADRA integrated digitalized vaccination card as part of their pre departure health clearance.
The Federal Government Civil Dispensary is the designated authorized center for administering and registering these vaccinations. The directive has been communicated to all airline station managers and travel agents across Pakistan, and it applies immediately from September 14, 2026.
The critical point: no other vaccination record not a handwritten card, not a private clinic certificate, not a scanned copy of an old vaccination book will be acceptable at departure. Only the NADRA integrated digital vaccination proof is valid.
Which Vaccines Are Required?
The directive specifically covers pre departure vaccination for international travelers against the following diseases:
Polio — Pakistan remains on the international list of polio-endemic countries, and polio vaccination proof is a long-standing requirement for travel to many destinations. The NADRA integration now formalises this requirement at the point of departure.
Meningitis — Meningococcal vaccination is required for travel to Saudi Arabia and several other destinations. It is a mandatory requirement for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims and is now part of the NADRA pre-departure protocol.
Yellow Fever — Required for travelers to and from yellow fever endemic countries in Africa and South America. Even if your destination does not require it, some transit countries do, and it is now included in the pre departure check.
Influenza — Seasonal influenza vaccination is included in the pre-departure requirements, particularly relevant given the current flu season and the timing of this directive.
The specific vaccines required for your travel will depend on your destination and whether you are a Hajj or Umrah pilgrim. Confirm with your airline or travel agent which vaccines apply to your specific journey.
Who Does This Affect?
This requirement applies to all Pakistani international travelers departing from Pakistani airports not just Umrah or Hajj pilgrims, though the directive specifically mentions them as a priority group. If you are traveling abroad for any reason after September 14, 2026, you need to ensure your NADRA vaccination record is updated and integrated before you reach the airport.
Umrah pilgrims are particularly affected. The directive explicitly states that Umrah pilgrims must obtain a NADRA integrated digitalized vaccination card from an authorized vaccination center before travel. Airlines have been instructed to communicate this to all their travel agents immediately.
What Should You Do Before Your Flight?
Option 1: Visit an authorized vaccination center before your travel date
The recommended approach is to visit the Federal Government Civil Dispensary or another authorized vaccination center before your travel date to get the required vaccines administered and registered in the NADRA system. This avoids any last-minute stress at the airport.
Option 2: Arrive 6 hours before your flight at the airport
For passengers who have not completed vaccination before arriving at the airport, the Airport Health Department has confirmed that vaccination and online NADRA entry facilities will be available at the international departure terminal. However, you must arrive at least 6 hours before your scheduled departure to allow sufficient time for vaccination, registration, and NADRA system processing. Arriving at the standard 2 to 3 hours before departure is not enough if you still need to complete vaccination at the airport.
Payment: Through e-Sahulat NADRA Platform
Payment for vaccination is processed through the e-Sahulat NADRA platform. Ensure you have a valid payment method available when attending either the authorized center or the airport vaccination facility.
For Umrah Pilgrims Specifically
If you are preparing for Umrah, this requirement adds a mandatory step to your pre-travel checklist that cannot be skipped. Your travel agent is required to inform you of this if they have not, ask them directly. Ensure that your meningitis, polio, influenza, and any other required vaccines are administered at an authorized center and registered in the NADRA system well before your departure date. Do not rely on getting this done at the airport on the day of travel unless you have confirmed 6-hour arrival time.
Influenza Vaccination Available Through Sehet.pk
For the influenza vaccination component of the pre-departure requirement, Sehet.pk provides certified Anflu® influenza vaccination. If you need influenza vaccination as part of your travel health preparation, contact us to arrange this conveniently whether for individual travelers or for a group traveling together.
For the NADRA integration of your vaccination record, this must be done through an authorized government center or at the airport facility as directed by the Airport Health Department.
Key Facts at a Glance
Effective date: September 14, 2026. Required vaccines: Polio, Meningitis, Yellow Fever, and Influenza. Valid proof: NADRA integrated digitalized vaccination card only. Authorized source: Federal Government Civil Dispensary or airport vaccination facility. Airport option: Available at JIAP Karachi international departure arrive 6 hours before flight. Payment: Via e-Sahulat NADRA platform. Applies to: All international travelers departing from Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my existing vaccination card still valid after September 14, 2026?
No. The Airport Health Department directive clearly states that no other vaccination card will be acceptable after September 14, 2026. Only the NADRA integrated digitalized vaccination proof is valid for international travel.
What if I already have all my vaccines but they are not registered in NADRA?
You will need to visit an authorized vaccination center or the airport vaccination facility to have your vaccination status registered in the NADRA system. Physical records from private clinics or hospitals are not accepted under the new requirement.
Do I need all four vaccines regardless of my destination?
The specific vaccines required depend on your destination and travel purpose. Confirm with your airline or travel agent which vaccines are mandatory for your particular journey. Umrah and Hajj pilgrims have specific requirements set by Saudi Arabia.
How long does NADRA vaccination registration take?
This is why the Airport Health Department recommends arriving 6 hours before your flight if completing vaccination at the airport. Pre travel vaccination at an authorized center well before your travel date is the recommended approach to avoid delays.
Where can I get the NADRA integrated vaccination card in Karachi?
The Federal Government Civil Dispensary is the designated authorized center. The airport vaccination facility at JIAP Karachi international departure terminal is also available for travelers arriving 6 hours before their flight.
Conclusion
The NADRA integrated vaccination requirement for international travel from Pakistan is now in effect. Whether you are traveling for Umrah, business, education, or leisure, your pre departure vaccination status must be registered in the NADRA system and no other documentation will be accepted at the airport.
If your travel is imminent, contact your airline and arrive at the airport at least 6 hours before departure if you still need vaccination at the airport facility. If your travel is upcoming, visit an authorized vaccination center well in advance to complete the process without time pressure.
For influenza vaccination as part of your travel health preparation, Sehet.pk provides certified influenza vaccination with same day availability. Contact us on WhatsApp to arrange.
📞 Phone: 0318-2800021
🌐 Website: www.sehet.pk