Umrah Pilgrims Charged Rs4,500 for Vaccines Including Non-Mandatory Flu Shot

Pakistani Umrah pilgrims are currently being charged Rs4,500 for three vaccines, among them a seasonal influenza shot, despite it not being mandatory according to Saudi Arabia’s official health guidelines for Umrah 1447H (2026), The News reports.

The mandatory vaccines required by Saudi authorities for Pakistani pilgrims include a valid meningococcal vaccine and at least one dose of bivalent oral polio vaccine or inactivated polio vaccine. Covid-19 vaccination is only mandated for specific vulnerable groups such as those over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with certain chronic illnesses. Yellow fever vaccination only applies to travellers from specified affected countries, according to the document 'Health Requirements and Recommendations for Travellers to Saudi Arabia for Umrah 1447H (2026)'.

All Pakistani arrivals, regardless of age or vaccination history, must have at least one dose of polio vaccine before travelling to Saudi Arabia. The meningococcal vaccine for all Umrah pilgrims must be administered either in its conjugate form within five years, or polysaccharide form within three years, at least 10 days prior to arrival.

Seasonal influenza vaccination appears only as a health recommendation for those travelling for Hajj, not Umrah. The Saudi guidance suggests, but does not require, an up-to-date flu vaccine for those planning to perform Hajj in the 2025-26 season.

Despite this, Pakistan’s Border Health Services (BHS) has been collecting Rs4,500 from travellers for three vaccines, including free polio drops, the meningococcal vaccine, and the influenza vaccine. The fee also covers a Nadra-linked vaccination certificate. Officials pointed out that the polio vaccine is provided free under national programmes, raising concerns about whether the fee structure is transparent and justified.

BHS official Murtaza Shah claimed influenza vaccination is mandatory for Saudi-bound pilgrims, but could not cite a supporting regulation from the Saudi advisory. He stated that the measure was to protect travellers and reduce hospital burden in Pakistan but offered no hospitalization data to back the move.

Public health experts have called for greater transparency. They stressed that preventive advice should not become a compulsory travel condition without clear evidence from Saudi regulations or an official Pakistani policy. They urged the health ministry to clarify the Saudi requirements, provide details about the vaccines, and explain the legal basis for the Rs4,500 charge.