FAQs for Travellers from Polio-Infected Countries

This page provides essential information for travelers leaving Pakistan or other countries where wild poliovirus is still circulating. Given Pakistan's status as one of only two countries where wild poliovirus has not been eradicated, the World Health Organization has recommended or required that residents and long-term visitors carry proof of polio vaccination when traveling internationally.

The FAQ addresses the key questions travelers commonly have: Do I need a polio vaccination certificate? Which vaccine do I need? How long before travel should I be vaccinated? How long is the certificate valid? Where can I get vaccinated and obtain a certificate?

The page explains that Pakistan's Ministry of National Health Services operates designated vaccination centers where travelers can receive an inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) dose and receive an official International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), recognized by WHO under the International Health Regulations.

Information is provided about which destination countries require the certificate, recognizing that requirements can change and that travelers should verify current requirements with the destination country's embassy or health authority before travel.

The FAQ also explains the medical rationale for travel vaccination requirements: preventing vaccinated international travelers from unknowingly carrying poliovirus to countries that are free of the disease. This protective measure is part of the global strategy to contain and eventually eradicate the virus entirely.