NCOC scraps PCR test rule for vaccinated travellers

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has withdrawn the rule requiring vaccinated individuals arriving in Pakistan to take a PCR test for Covid-19 as it made inoculation compulsory for international travellers, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Under the reviews policy for inbound passengers that will come into effect Wednesday midnight, eligible international travellers will not be required to undergo pre-flight PCR tests. However, non-vaccinated individuals aged 12 and above will still have to provide a negative PCR taken no longer than 72 hours before departure.

The NCOC made vaccination mandatory for all inbound passengers with an exemption for individuals under 12. Those between 12-18 years of age are permitted to travel without vaccination until March 31, it said.

The platform said deportees and non-vaccinated pedestrians at border terminals will have to undergo a rapid antigen test (RAT) and those found positive will be required to self-quarantine for a period of 10 days.

The inbound policy was reviewed at an NCOC meeting in Islamabad and the following steps were approved: 

▪ Pre-boarding negative PCR has been abolished for fully vaccinated inbound ​travellers. However, non-vaccinated individuals over 12 years will require pre-boarding negative PCR (72 hours old).

▪ Mandatory full vaccination for all inbound passengers.

▪ Passengers below 12 years of age are exempted from mandatory vaccination.

▪ Passengers between 12-18 years of age are allowed to travel without mandatory vaccination till 31st March 2022.

▪ RAT on arrival for deportees and non-vaccinated pedestrians at Border Terminals; Positive cases will be home quarantine for 10 x days.

Reporter Saba Bajeer