Performing Umrah This Year? Updated Rules That You Need to Know
As is widely acknowledged, the Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam. Millions of Muslims flock to Makkah from all over the world prior to the Hajj to see the Great Mosque of Makkah (Masjid al-Haram) and engage in different devotional activities. In parallel to this act of worship, Muslims are also required to travel to the Holy City and perform a number of rites during the Umrah, commonly known as the mini Hajj or Umrah.
Following a successful Hajj season, Saudi nationals, ex-pat residents, and international pilgrims have been allowed to perform Umrah. But what about this year’s Umrah? What are the new rules being imposed by the Saudi government?
Visa requirements
International pilgrims would require a visit or Umrah visa to enter the Kingdom if they are not residents of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, or the United Arab Emirates. The aforementioned nations’ citizens are permitted to enter Saudi Arabia using their national ID cards.
At present, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reopened Umrah visa applications. Pilgrims from all around the world are able to apply for the Umrah visa which can be extended from one to three months. There is also a new 24-hour Umrah visa obtainable through the Maqam platform. Other than the Umrah visa, citizens of the US, UK, or Schengen countries may perform the Umrah on a tourist visa.
It must be said that completing Umrah on a tourist visa does have its benefits, including a longer stay duration, the ability to make repeated entries, and the option to select your own hotels for Umrah.
COVID restrictions have been scrapped
According to a statement released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, international Umrah pilgrims are no longer required to present a negative PCR or quick antigen test result in order to enter Saudi Arabia. However, it’s important to note that obtaining proper health insurance to cover COVID-19 treatment is still required.
The dismantling of barriers encircling the Holy Kaaba for the first time in over two years also signifies the easing of COVID-related restrictions within the Kingdom. The Saudi authorities advise all pilgrims to follow the current health measures and restrictions despite the fact that the walls have been removed allowing pilgrims to approach the Holy Kaaba. Children may also accompany pilgrims on their Umrah.
Vaccine and Quarantine requirements
While most COVID-19-related restrictions have been lifted, pilgrims who wish to perform the Umrah must still show confirmation of vaccination before they enter the country. Their vaccine credential registration can be completed online on the Muqeem platform.
The following vaccinations have been authorized, including Moderna, Pfizer, Janssen, and AstraZeneca. If you are not vaccinated with these approved vaccines, you may need to undergo quarantine. Please note that additional vaccines are required including Yellow Fever, Meningococcal Meningitis, Polio vaccine, and Seasonal Flu Shot.
Umrah permit
While permits are no longer required to enter the Grand Mosque, Umrah pilgrims will still need to obtain an Umrah permit to be allowed to perform the Umrah and offer prayers in the Holy Rawdah. Umrah permits can be issued to any pilgrim using the Nusuk app.
