Pakistan lifts face mask mandate on all flights

KARACHI: The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has removed the condition of wearing face masks for passengers on international and domestic flights.

The condition of wearing face masks on domestic and international flights has been lifted, said a CAA spokesperson. In late June, the aviation regulator made masks mandatory on domestic flights after a gradual rise in the number of COVID-19 cases across the country.

According to a notification issued by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the authority revoked the mandatory requirement of wearing face masks.

“Amid declining COVID-19 trend across the country, mask-wearing as a part of nonpharmaceutical interventions is no longer a mandatory requirement during domestic and international travel,” the notification read.

The authority mentioned that although a mask is not a must but it is still preferable.  “Please choose to wear a face mask for everyone’s safety,” it added.

Wearing face mask on-board domestic and international flights no longer mandatory, but still preferable.@KhSaad_Rafique @AviMinistryPK pic.twitter.com/qpitOxAa27

— PCAAOfficial (@official_pcaa) October 1, 2022

However, all other COVID-related restrictions and vaccine mandates remain intact. On 24 February 2022 Pakistan removed the requirement for a negative COVID-19 PCR test for vaccinated travellers entering the country.

Travellers are no longer required to provide their contact information through the Pass Track App but may have to fill in a form on arrival. All passengers aged 12 and above must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated to take inbound flights to Pakistan.

Non-vaccinated passengers who are aged 12 years and above are required to possess a negative PCR test result conducted within 72 hours prior to commencing travel to Pakistan. Children below 12 years of age do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter Pakistan.

Exemptions to the vaccination rules may apply for passengers who hold a medical certificate stating that they have been medically advised not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. These passengers are required to present evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken up to 72 hours before the start of travel.

Partial or non-vaccinated travellers seeking further exemption from the vaccination or PCR testing requirement may apply through the relevant Pakistani High Commission to an Exemptions Committee for  travel to Pakistan.

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