ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a major relief for Umrah pilgrims, the Saudi government has suspended the requirement for the meningococcal vaccine, allowing travellers to perform Umrah without this previously mandatory immunisation.
The Saudi General Civil Aviation Authority (GACA) has officially informed all airlines about the decision, which reverses a policy implemented on January 7. Now, Pakistani pilgrims and others travelling for Umrah will only need to receive the polio vaccine before departure.
The move is expected to ease travel requirements and streamline the pilgrimage process for millions of Muslims worldwide. While the Saudi government had initially mandated the meningococcal vaccine to protect against bacterial meningitis, its suspension suggests a policy shift aimed at facilitating easier access to religious travel.
