GACA circular 2025 This directive from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is aimed at ensuring that all travelers coming to Saudi Arabia, especially from specific countries where polio cases have been reported, are vaccinated against poliovirus. This measure is part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to maintaining its polio-free status and protecting public health during high-traffic seasons such as Umrah and Hajj.
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Main Instructions GACA circular 2025
Mandatory Polio Vaccination: Travelers arriving from countries with reported polio cases are required to present proof of vaccination. This includes both adults and children, ensuring comprehensive immunization coverage for all incoming individuals.
Types of Polio Vaccines AcceptedThe accepted vaccines include:
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)
Certification Requirements
Passengers must carry a valid vaccination certificate.
The vaccine should have been administered within a specific period prior to travel, ensuring recent immunization.
Airline and Airport Compliance: GACA circular 2025Airlines are instructed to check the vaccination certificates of passengers before allowing them to board flights to Saudi Arabia. Airport authorities will further verify these certificates upon arrival.
Legal Accountability: Non-compliance with this circular is treated as a direct violation of government health regulations. Airlines and passengers failing to adhere to these requirements will be subjected to legal action and potential penalties.
LIST OF COUNTRIES:
Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania.
Validity of the Vaccine and duration:
Exemption criteria:
The circular reflects Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach toward preventing the reintroduction of polio into the country. Despite being declared polio-free, the Kingdom continues to impose strict travel-related health measures due to the global risk of poliovirus transmission, especially from countries where polio is still endemic or where outbreaks have occurred recently.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has maintained rigorous vaccination requirements during religious pilgrimages to prevent the spread of communicable diseases among the millions of pilgrims visiting annually. This includes vaccination campaigns for meningococcal meningitis, seasonal flu, and COVID-19 in recent years.
MOH link for details related to vaccine requirement.
GACA Circular 2025 copy:
