Pakistan Extends NADRA Vaccination Card Requirement Deadline for International Travelers and Pilgrims

Pakistani international travelers, Hajj pilgrims, and Umrah passengers have received major relief as authorities extended the mandatory deadline for presenting a National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) integrated digital vaccination card. Originally scheduled to take effect strictly on September 14, 2026, the updated policy allows travelers additional time until September 25, 2026, to meet the digital verification standards required for international departure.

The policy update follows significant pushback from the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP) and widespread confusion at major airports like Karachi's Jinnah International Airport, where hundreds of outbound passengers gathered to get last-minute health clearances.

Why the Travel Deadline Was Extended

The Ministry of National Health Services, alongside Border Health Services Pakistan, initially ruled that no overseas passenger or pilgrim would be allowed to board without an authentic digital vaccination record linked to NADRA. However, key travel stakeholders raised several crucial concerns:

• Unclear Directives: Travel agents highlighted that early notices failed to clarify whether the mandatory card applied only to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims or to every overseas passenger.

• Health and Medical Safety: Health experts and agents expressed concerns regarding administering up to four vaccines—including Polio, Meningitis, Yellow Fever, and Influenza—simultaneously at airport health desks right before departure.

• Supply and Crowd Control: Standard vaccine supplies were limited in local retail markets, creating long queues and severe congestion at designated Federal Government Civil Dispensary counters.
  
  

To prevent travel disruptions and give citizens sufficient time to complete their health verification, airport health departments extended the deadline to September 25.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Your NADRA Vaccination Verification Card

To comply with Saudi government health regulations and Pakistani civil aviation rules, pilgrims and international travelers can obtain their digitized health cards using a three-step procedure:

1. Biometric Verification and Fee Payment:

   • Download the Pak-ID Mobile App from home or visit any nearby NADRA e-Sahulat franchise.

   • Complete the Mandatory Biometric Verification System (MBVS) check for the required vaccines (such as Influenza and Meningitis) and submit the designated fee.

   • Ensure you register an active mobile number to receive your SMS confirmation slip.

2. Receive the Official Vaccination:

   • Visit an authorized Federal Government Civil Dispensary counter operated by Border Health Services at the airport.

   • Show your biometric verification slip and fee confirmation receipt to medical personnel to receive the required shots.

   • Note: Travelers needing airport vaccination are advised to arrive at least six hours before departure.

3. Download Your Integrated Card:

   • After vaccination, visit the official NIMS portal at nims.nadra.gov.pk.

   • Enter your 13-digit CNIC and passport details to save or print your digitalized NADRA vaccination verification card.
     
     

Age-Specific Health Requirements for Children

Border Health Services has outlined specific guidelines based on age groups:

• Children Under 12 Years: Must complete biometric verification and receive the Influenza vaccine only.

• Children Aged 12 and Above: Must undergo biometric verification and receive both Influenza and Meningitis vaccines.
  
  

By digitizing health records through NADRA, authorities aim to streamline international travel verification, satisfy destination health requirements, and maintain public health standards for outgoing Pakistani travelers.

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