Packing your bags for an international trip involves a long checklist: passport, visa, tickets, travel insurance. But the travel from certain countries, there’s another document that’s just as essential the polio vaccination certificate. If you a Pakistani citizen planning to travel abroad in 2026, this is not something you can afford to overlook.
walk you through everything you need to know about the Polio Certificate for international travel, from why it exists to exactly how to get one.
Why Is a Polio Certificate Required?
The requirement traces back to 2014 when the World Health Organization declared the spread of Polio Certificate an international public health emergency . Pakistan, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria at the time, was identified as a country where the poliovirus remained endemic and posed a risk of exportation to other nations .
The WHO recommended that travelers from affected countries carry proof of polio vaccination to prevent the virus from crossing borders. Since then, this has become a mandatory requirement for Pakistanis traveling abroad .
As one health official explained, Pakistan has been “fully implementing the guidelines of the International Monitoring Board (IMB) on polio,” which is why the country is no longer exporting the virus to other nations .
Who Needs a Polio Certificate?
All international travelers from Pakistan must have a valid polio vaccination certificate, regardless of their age . This applies to:
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Residents and citizens leaving Pakistan
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Long-term visitors who have stayed in Pakistan for more than four weeks
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Travelers of all ages—from infants to the elderly
The requirement applies to all visa types—whether you’re traveling for Umrah, tourism, business, work (Iqama holders), or family visits .
Saudi Arabia: The Strictest Requirements
If you are traveling to Saudi Arabia you need to pay attention to the rules because they are very strict. Starting from February 2025 the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Saudi Arabia says that people who are coming from countries where polio’s still a problem, like Pakistan and Afghanistan must get a polio vaccine.
Here are the main rules for Saudi Arabia:
* You need to get the vaccine least 4 weeks before you leave for Saudi Arabia
* The vaccine certificate is valid for an amount of time:
* If you get the Oral Polio Vaccine the certificate is good for 6 months from the day you got the vaccine
* If you get the Inactivated Polio Vaccine the certificate is good for 12 months from the day you got the vaccine
* The certificate must be stamped by a government hospital or a private hospital
* Some people do not need to get the vaccine:
* People who are just passing through Saudi Arabia and will be there for than 12 hours as long as they do not leave the airport
* It is also important to know that people who have an Iqama and are traveling to Saudi Arabia do not need to get the polio vaccine unless they are going there for pilgrimage and will be in Ihram. Saudi Arabia has these rules to keep everyone safe so make sure you follow them if you are traveling to Saudi Arabia. The rules for Saudi Arabia are, in place to protect people so it is crucial to get the polio vaccine if you are traveling to Saudi Arabia from countries.
The Old Way vs. The New Way
For years, travelers could obtain the familiar yellow immunization card—known as the “Yellow Card” or “CIIP” (Certificate of International Immunization and Prophylaxis)—from counters at major public hospitals or airports .
However, in 2023, Pakistan transitioned to a digital system. The reason? Fake vaccination cards had become a problem, undermining both public health and Pakistan’s international credibility .
Now, the polio vaccination certificate is issued through the National Database and Registration Authority-operated National Immunization Management System (NIMS) . The new digital certificates carry a QR code, making them much harder to forge .
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Polio Certificate in 2026
Here’s the current process for obtaining your polio vaccination certificate:
Step 1: Visit a Vaccination Center
Go to your local district health office or a government hospital to receive the polio vaccination (two drops of Oral Polio Vaccine). There’s no cost for the vaccine itself .
Step 2: Access the NIMS Portal
After vaccination, you’ll be provided with instructions to access the NADRA-operated portal at nims.nadra.gov.pk .
Step 3: Enter Your Information
On the portal:
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Select the “Other Vaccination Polio, Yellow Fever” button
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Enter your CNIC number and ID card issue date
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Verify your identity
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Fill in your name (exactly as on CNIC or Passport)
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Enter your Passport Number
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Select your Nationality
Step 4: Make Payment
Pay the processing fee of Rs. 100 (this is a one-time fee) .
Step 5: Download Your Certificate
After verification and payment, you can download your polio vaccination certificate directly from the portal. Print a copy to carry with your travel documents .
Tips for a Smooth Journey
1. Plan ahead. The vaccine must be taken at least 4 weeks before travel. Don’t leave this to the last minute.
2. Check your certificate’s validity. Ensure it hasn’t expired. Remember: OPV is valid for 6 months, IPV for 12 months .
3. Print a physical copy. While digital certificates are available, airlines and immigration officials at many airports still require a physical document. The familiar printed card with a hospital stamp remains essential .
4. Keep it accessible. Have your certificate ready at check-in and immigration. Airlines may not let you board without it .
5. Don’t rely on airport help. In the past, travelers could get vaccination cards at airport facilitation desks, but this service has been discontinued due to card shortages .
Common Questions
Do I still need a polio certificate if I’m transiting?
Yes, unless your transit is in Saudi Arabia for less than 12 hours without leaving the transit area .
What about COVID-19 vaccines?
As of 2026, most countries (including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand) have lifted COVID-19 vaccine mandates, but it’s wise to keep your records handy just in case .
Can I travel with an expired certificate?
No—airlines and immigration officials will deny boarding without a valid certificate .
Why This Matters Beyond Just Travel
The polio certificate requirement isn’t bureaucratic red tape. Pakistan remains one of only two countries (alongside Afghanistan) where wild poliovirus is still endemic . When Pakistanis travel without proof of vaccination, it creates a genuine risk of spreading this crippling disease to countries that have already eliminated it.
Saudi Arabia’s strict enforcement for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims makes sense—millions of people gather in close proximity, creating ideal conditions for any virus to spread. Vaccination certificates protect not just you, but everyone you encounter on your journey.
Final Word
Getting your polio certificate isn’t complicated, but it requires planning. The 4-week window is non-negotiable for many destinations, especially Saudi Arabia . So, before you book that flight or plan your Umrah trip, schedule your vaccination appointment.
One more thing: the process has changed, but the requirement hasn’t. Despite some confusing official statements in the past, the polio certificate remains mandatory for all international travelers from Pakistan .