KARACHI: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has notified new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for international passengers, chartered and private aircraft flights to Pakistan.
The new SOPs have been divided in three categories; A, B and C, by the aviation authority, according to a notification issued by the CAA. Japan, Finland, Namibia and Malawi are among the countries removed from the category A, whereas the number of countries included the category has been increased to 24 from 22.
The category A includes Australia, China, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Fiji, Iceland, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Laos, Maldives, New Zealand and Nigeria; whereas category B comprises Norway, Rwanda, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Togo, Uruguay, Vietnam, Zambia.
The passengers of the countries listed in category A will not be required to undergo Covid-19 tests. However, for those belonging to category B, Covid test is mandatory 96 hours before the commencement of travel to Pakistan.
According to the new SOPs which will remain effective from December 16 to 31, the passengers from countries listed in the category C will undergo mandatory novel coronavirus tests at the airport. No country has been placed in the category C so far.
It has been made mandatory for all international passengers to fill a health declaration form before travelling to Pakistan.