Umrah pilgrims charged Rs4,500 despite Saudi rules not requiring flu shot

Pakistan’s Border Health Services (BHS) is charging Rs4,500 to some Umrah pilgrims for three vaccinations, including an influenza shot, despite Saudi Arabia’s published Umrah health regulations listing seasonal influenza as a recommendation rather than a mandatory requirement, officials and pilgrims said.

Saudi Arabia requires Umrah pilgrims to have a valid meningococcal vaccination, while Pakistan is among countries subject to additional polio vaccination requirements. The Saudi Ministry of Health lists seasonal influenza among recommended vaccinations, particularly for vulnerable groups.

The Rs4,500 BHS charge reportedly covers polio vaccination, meningococcal vaccination, an influenza shot and a NADRA-linked vaccination certificate. Health officials have been urged to clarify whether the fee covers vaccines, certification or other services.

Polio vaccination is provided free through Pakistan’s national immunisation programme, raising questions about the breakdown of the charge.

When contacted, BHS official Murtaza Shah said influenza vaccination was mandatory for Saudi-bound pilgrims but could not identify a provision in the Saudi Umrah regulations supporting the claim.

Public health experts called for authorities to clearly distinguish between mandatory travel requirements and recommended vaccinations and to disclose the basis of the Rs4,500 fee.