Umrah pilgrims charged Rs4,500 for three vaccines, including ‘non-mandatory’ flu shot

Both must be administered at least 10 days before arrival in the kingdom.The Saudi regulations also require proof of Covid-19 vaccination, prior primary vaccination or recovery from Covid-19 for Umrah pilgrims aged over 65 years, pregnant women and people with specified chronic illnesses, including heart and respiratory diseases, kidney failure, cancer and immune deficiencies.However, seasonal influenza is not included among the ‘mandatory’ Umrah vaccination requirements.

The document mentions influenza under ‘health recommendations’ and specifically states that all travellers intending to perform Haj are advised to receive the updated seasonal influenza vaccine for the 2025-26 season before travelling to Saudi Arabia.The distinction between a requirement and advice has become important for Pakistani Umrah pilgrims, with BHS officials reportedly charging Rs4,500 for three vaccines, including polio drops, meningococcal vaccine and influenza vaccine, along with a Nadra-linked vaccination….

Health officials said BHS and the health ministry should publicly explain the approved fee structure and clearly state whether the amount covers vaccination, certificate generation, service delivery or any other charge.They said no traveller should be left with the impression that polio drops themselves carried a price, especially when the government provides them free through routine immunisation and polio campaigns.When contacted, BHS official Murtaza Shah maintained that influenza vaccination was….

Asked to identify the provision in the Saudi Umrah advisory that makes it compulsory, he could not substantiate the claim from the regulations.He said influenza vaccination was being given to protect travellers from contracting influenza and to reduce the burden on tertiary-care hospitals in Pakistan.

However, he did not provide data on the number of returning Umrah pilgrims admitted to hospitals with influenza or related complications.Public health experts said preventive advice should not be converted into a compulsory travel condition unless there was a written requirement from Saudi authorities or a clearly notified policy of the Pakistani government.

They also called for disclosure of the manufacturer, regulatory approval, batch details, and price of vaccines being offered to pilgrims.They said passengers must be given accurate information about which vaccines are mandatory for entry, which are recommended for their protection and what they are being charged for.

They asked the ministry should issue a public clarification on the Saudi Umrah requirements, the legal basis of the Rs4,500 charge and the availability of Nadra-linked certificates without confusion or avoidable cost to pilgrims.

Umrah pilgrims charged Rs4,500 for three vaccines, including ‘non-mandatory' flu shot Pakistani Umrah pilgrims of all ages required to have valid meningococcal and polio vaccines.