The deadline for implementing the NADRA-integrated vaccination card has been extended until September 25, 2026.
Sources in Border Health Services said the decision will provide relief to passengers and Umrah pilgrims. An official notification is expected to be issued soon.
The latest development comes after large numbers of passengers gathered at airport health offices. Many Umrah pilgrims had also visited these offices for vaccination cards.
The new decision extends the deadline for the NADRA-integrated vaccination card requirement. It is expected to reduce pressure on airport health facilities.
Authorities had earlier announced a strict deadline for international travellers. Under the previous decision, vaccination proof linked with NADRA was required after September 14.
Passengers without the required vaccination proof could have faced difficulties while travelling abroad. The extension now gives travellers additional time to meet the requirement.
The decision follows concerns raised by the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP). The association had contacted the federal government over the vaccination card policy.
TAAP had sought clarification from the Ministry of Health about the new requirement. It also raised concerns about a letter issued by the Karachi Airport Health Officer.
According to the association, the letter was unclear about how the policy would be implemented. TAAP said this created confusion among passengers, pilgrims and travel agents.
The association also questioned who would need the NADRA-integrated vaccination card. It sought clarification on whether the requirement applied only to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
TAAP also asked whether every passenger travelling abroad would need the vaccination card. The lack of clear instructions had raised concerns among travel industry representatives.
The association described the decision by the Karachi Airport Health Officer as unclear. It also highlighted the timing required for vaccinations before international travel.
According to TAAP, some vaccines should be administered six to seven days before travel. The association said this timing should be considered while implementing the new policy.
TAAP also expressed concerns about giving four vaccines at the same time. It warned that multiple vaccinations could potentially affect passengers’ health.
Another concern involved the availability of government-recommended vaccines. TAAP said the recommended vaccine was not readily available in the market.
The association urged the government to ensure adequate vaccine supplies. It also called for the establishment of more vaccination centres.
TAAP warned that immediate implementation could create difficulties for travellers. Umrah pilgrims were among those who could face problems under the earlier deadline.
The extended deadline is therefore expected to ease some of these concerns. Passengers will have additional time to complete the required vaccination process.
The extension also provides authorities with more time to clarify the policy. Officials can use the additional period to improve coordination between relevant departments.
TAAP has also called for standard operating procedures for the NADRA vaccination card. It wants these procedures prepared through consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
The latest decision extends the implementation period to September 25, 2026. However, the official notification is still expected to confirm the extension.
The move is likely to provide temporary relief for international travellers. It may also help reduce confusion surrounding the vaccination card requirement.
For now, passengers and pilgrims should wait for official instructions from the authorities. The formal notification will clarify the revised implementation timeline.
The extension marks a response to concerns raised by travellers and the travel industry. It also gives authorities additional time to address operational issues.
In other news read more about: Umrah Pilgrims Face Delays As NADRA Vaccination System Goes Down in Karachi
