Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced that polio vaccination is now a requirement for travellers from several countries, including Pakistan. According to GACA, passengers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique must present a valid polio vaccination certificate upon entry into the Kingdom.
However, the authority clarified that passengers transiting through these countries for less than 12 hours without leaving the airport’s transit area would not need to provide proof of vaccination.
The vaccination certificate must be issued at least four weeks prior to the journey, and certificates older than six months will not be accepted. GACA has also warned airlines that failure to comply with the new policy will result in legal action and severe penalties.
This new policy emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protecting public health and preventing the spread of polio.
