KARACHI: Border Health Services Pakistan has temporarily suspended NADRA-integrated meningococcal and influenza vaccination services for Umrah pilgrims at the International Travellers Vaccination Centre in Karachi, citing complaints from intending pilgrims and unavoidable vaccine supply chain issues.
According to an official circular dated October 22, 2026, issued under reference No. F.18-4/2014-AHK, the suspension affects pilgrims intending to perform Umrah who require vaccination services through the NADRA-integrated system.
The circular states that the decision was taken following reservations expressed by Umrah pilgrims and certain unavoidable supply chain problems, raising concerns about the availability and continuity of essential vaccination services for international travellers.
Pilgrims Who Have Already Paid to Be Accommodated
In an important clarification, Border Health Services has announced that travellers who have already deposited the prescribed vaccination fee through the government's e-Sahulat or PAK ID platforms will be accommodated at the vaccination centre, subject to verification of their payments.
However, intending pilgrims who have not yet deposited the vaccination fee have been specifically advised to refrain from making any payments until the competent authority formally announces the resumption of vaccination services.
The circular does not announce any refund arrangement for payments already made. Instead, it assures affected travellers that their payments will be verified and they will be accommodated at the centre.
Vaccination Suspension Raises Questions Over Pilgrims' Travel Preparations
The temporary suspension has raised important questions regarding vaccination arrangements for intending Umrah pilgrims, particularly those who have already completed their travel bookings and deposited vaccination fees.
Meningococcal vaccination is an important health requirement for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia, making timely access to approved vaccination facilities essential for avoiding travel-related complications.
Although Border Health Services has acknowledged supply chain difficulties, the circular does not specify when normal vaccination services will resume.
The situation also raises questions about the management of vaccine supplies, coordination with NADRA-integrated payment systems and contingency arrangements for pilgrims facing urgent travel deadlines.
Passengers Advised to Verify Vaccination Requirements
Border Health Services has requested intending pilgrims to remain updated, cooperate with vaccination centre staff and await further official instructions.
Health Matters Media advises travellers to verify the latest vaccination requirements of Saudi authorities and their airlines before departure, retain payment receipts and contact the relevant vaccination centre for updated information.
Travellers should also understand that the circular concerns NADRA-integrated meningococcal and influenza vaccination services at the Karachi centre. It does not constitute a general exemption from Saudi Arabia's vaccination requirements.
The authorities have expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to intending Umrah pilgrims.
