All travelers flying from the UAE to Jeddah with Etihad Airways must have a certificate showing they got the flu shot to travel. The airline confirmed this in a statement.
This rule follows the announcement by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) that pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah must get the flu vaccine starting March 26th.
"The health authorities in the United Arab Emirates require all Etihad Airways passengers traveling from Abu Dhabi to Jeddah to have a flu vaccination certificate starting from Tuesday, March 26, until further notice,"
stated the airline.
Passengers must present their flu vaccination certificate for inspection at check-in, either in paper hard copy or on an approved UAE digital health application.
However, the statement clarified that some people are exempt from this requirement.
"The regulation does not apply to transit passengers whose journey does not start in the UAE, residents of KSA with proof of residency, or individuals arriving in the UAE from Jeddah."
Etihad Airways emphasized that the safety and well-being of their passengers and crew are their top priorities.
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) clarified that individuals who have received the flu vaccine within the past year are exempt from getting a new vaccination. Approved vaccination cards can be obtained through the Al Hosn application and shown at travel checkpoints.
Other airlines
Air Arabia has advised passengers traveling from the UAE to Saudi Arabia for Umrah to consider getting their flu vaccination before their journey, as stated in a document issued to travel agents.
Similarly, some travel agents have reported receiving similar circulars from other airlines, such as Saudia.
Awaiting a response from Emirates Airlines for comment.
Since the announcement on Tuesday, many passengers have been uncertain about their travel plans. Travel agents also shared their concerns about how the rules would affect those entering Saudi Arabia with multiple entry visas.
"Many visitors to Saudi Arabia now choose the multiple entry tourist visa,"
explained an agent.
"Many of them perform their Umrah on this visa. It is unclear how the mandatory vaccine will be enforced on such people."
News Source: Khaleej Times
