KSA Health Safety News Alert: Saudi Arabia Implements Polio Vaccination Requirement for Incoming Passengers from Pakistan
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced a new measure to ensure public health safety by requiring all passengers arriving in the country to have received the poliovirus vaccine. This step aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its population from the risks of polio outbreaks.
Authorities have urged travelers to provide proof of vaccination before entry, with special focus on arrivals from countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, and United Republic of Tanzania. with reported polio cases. The Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of this precaution in maintaining the country’s polio-free status and protecting citizens and residents.
Vaccination Certificate:
Passengers must present a vaccination certificate for oral polio vaccine issued at least four (4) weeks prior to arrival and not exceeding six (6) months.
Alternatively, they may present a vaccination certificate for inactivated polio vaccine issued at least four (4) weeks prior to arrival and not exceeding twelve (12) months.
Exemptions:
The following passengers are exempted from this requirement:
Transit passengers passing through the above-listed countries, provided that the transit time does not exceed twelve (12) hours and they do not leave the transit area.
Transit passengers passing through the Kingdom from the listed countries, provided they remain in the transit area and their transit time does not exceed twelve (12) hours.
Airline Responsibilities:
Airlines are required to take necessary precautions at the point of embarkation to ensure that passengers possess the required documents as specified by the transit and destination countries.
Compliance and Violations:
Failure to comply with GACA circulars constitutes a clear violation of governmental directives. Airlines found in breach will face legal action, and violators will bear full responsibility for any consequences.
Travelers from the above countries are highly advised to check the latest health guidelines before their journey to avoid any disruptions at entry points.
