Umrah pilgrims can travel across Saudi Arabia as the government lifts the restriction due to pandemic. Previously, those with an Umrah visa were not able to travel anywhere in the Kingdom except Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, Makkah, because of the travel restrictions imposed due to the global pandemic. With current guidelines in place, overseas Umrah pilgrims can now travel anywhere in Saudi Arabia.

Umrah pilgrims can travel across Saudi cities

The Ministry of Umrah and Hajj has made it official that Umrah pilgrims are free to move between the cities of Makkah and Madinah and across all cities of the kingdom during their stay. The authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will allow overseas Muslims holding Umrah-specific visas to move across the kingdom during their stay. According to the Saudi authorities, the stay duration for arrivals on Umrah visas is 30 days.

There is a massive rush among both local and overseas pilgrims performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia this year. Umrah was suspended for citizens and residents by Saudi Arabia on March 4, 2020, as COVID-19 started to spread rapidly during that time.
The authorities also issued orders preventing pilgrims from visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah at around the same time.
Travel Restrictions Have Been Eased Completely

Umrah was resumed for domestic pilgrims and worshippers in October 2020 after seven months of its suspension because of the pandemic.
On March 5, 2022, the Saudi authorities lifted most COVID-19 restrictions in the kingdom. This included removal of the physical distancing regulation among worshippers visiting the Makkah’s Grand Mosque and the revered Mosque in Madinah.

On March 30, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that holders of all types of visas could enter Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. They must first obtain the necessary permits through the Eatmarna application.

An Unprecedented Surge After Pandemic Restrictions

This year, around 2.5 million Muslims performed Umrah at the Grand Mosque since the start of the holy month of Ramzan on April 2, 2022. About eight million liters of the Holy Zamzam water were distributed at the Grand Mosque in the first ten days of Ramzan.

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Umrah is a sacred pilgrim ritual that is carried out in large numbers by Muslims around the world. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has also incorporated various facilities in order to facilitate the needs of pilgrims. Given the importance of these annual events, there are also a number of regulations for domestic as well as international visitors.

Umrah authorities during COVID-19

Given the onslaught of COVID 19, there are specific health requirements that must be met by pilgrims for Umrah. Necessary precautions such as recommending the elderly and those with chronic diseases (for example- kidney disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, heart disease), visitors who have a deficient immune system, children below the age of 12, pregnant women should postpone their pilgrimage of Umrah keeping their safety as the foremost priority. Additionally, the Saudi Ministry also recommends that locals, as well as international visitors, prepare for immunization against all diseases through vaccines. Also, in the event of any public health emergency outbreak, it is the responsibility of Saudi Arabian health authorities to undertake preventive measures.

Umrah booking via Tawakkalna

Recently, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have made it necessary for pilgrims to get their Umrah permits and appointments through the Tawakkalna app. There are a number of permits that one can get through the app, namely; the permit to pray in Masjid al-Haram of Makkah, the appointment to offer prayers in the Riyaz ul Jannah for men, the permit for women to pray in the Riaz ul Jannah and the appointment for men to visit the Roda Rasool.

How to book via Tawakkalna?

Getting the permit is not a difficult process, and the first thing one needs to do is download the Tawakkalna application from any iOS or Android mobile. Individuals who are above the age of 18 must register with Tawakkalna in order to get a permit. The entire booking or appointment process is simple that includes clicking on the ‘services’ option, then issuing the permit, and finally processing the permit. One can select the company as per their desire with whom they want to book an appointment, the date and time of their convenience, and their city of arrival. The permit will be issued but would not be valid without the transportation fee of 20 SAR per pilgrim either before or within two hours of booking the appointment.

Umrah rules

Hefty fines are also levied on visitors who enter the holy place without their permits. Since a pilgrim can only reissue their Umrah permit after a gap of 14 days of performing their first Umrah, it is advisable for them to cancel their permit through Tawakkalna.

The app also lets citizens choose the time that they find convenient and appropriate for performing Umrah. During the month of Ramadan vast number of pilgrims book for Umrah pilgrimage permits while other days do not see such surge in bookings. Therefore, Umrah booking via Tawakkalna will sort many problems including managing the surge in pilgrims and their safety inside Al Haram.

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As per the recent updates on COVID-19 infections worldwide, many restrictions have been lifted by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for entry into Saudi Arabia. The latest decision on the pilgrimage states that foreign pilgrims are not required to show a negative RT-PCR test report on their arrival. Additionally, quarantine requirements have been dropped for locals as well as foreign pilgrims.

Restrictions for Umrah for unvaccinated Muslims

However, there are certain conditions affixed to the mandate for partially vaccinated and unvaccinated Muslims. Individuals should not have been infected with COVID-19 or came in contact with someone who has been tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, the once compulsory rule that international Muslims must register for immunization data to get their respective Umrah permits has also been lifted. The pilgrims, therefore, are allowed to take part in offering prayers given they are not infected with COVID-19. Following this, pilgrims still are required to wear a face mask when inside the Mosque and other facilities to remain precautious. However, individuals are allowed to remove masks outside.

Umrah during COVID-19

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah. This pilgrimage does not have any specific dates in the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims perform Umrah to seek blessings of benevolent Allah, ask for his forgiveness, and reinvigorate one’s belief in Islam. The pilgrims who take the spiritual journey of Umrah reap peace and happiness. Umrah is the only Sunnah that was performed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) twice in his life.

The annual religious pilgrimage of Umrah is undertaken by 2 to 3 million people each year. Performing Umrah brings hope for all Muslims around the globe irrespective of their gender, age and location. Visiting the holy Kaaba brings good fortune for the people of the Islamic faith. Muslims require specific necessities to make their way to the holy city. As millions of pilgrims head on to the journey of Umrah each year, the government has had responsibility to provide safe pilgrimage since the onset of COVID-19. Therefore, strict restrictions were imposed on the journey. However, these restrictions are being lifted sequentially by the government as per the changing situations of COVID-19.

Current COVID-19 restrictions

It is advisable for travelers who arrive on a visa to have medical insurance to cover COVID-19. As the concerned authorities have also resumed the holy pilgrimage of Umrah for unvaccinated Muslims, social distancing in the two holy mosques along with the indoor facilities must be maintained. The decision was made by the Saudi government after observing the significant decline in COVID infection rates. Pilgrims should adhere to the current restriction and cooperate with the authorities. Further, one must visit the government website for Hajj and Umrah travels for latest circulars before planning for the pilgrimage. One should also make use of safety mobile applications like Tawakkalna for convenient travel.

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The current capacity is 70,000 a day for Umrah pilgrimage. The authorities are developing strategic plans to increase the number while ensuring the safety of the pilgrims. In the first milestone, the plan is to reach 120,000 pilgrims a day. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has also started receiving applications from vaccinated pilgrims from around the globe since August 9, 2021.

The phase of ‘Safe Umrah’ started on October 4, 2020. According to the reports, the capacity of pilgrims then was 6,000 a day in the Grand Mosque. On October 18, they increased the count of pilgrims to 10,000 and worshippers to 40,000 a day. With the increasing count of COVID-19 vaccination in Saudi Arabia and other countries of the world, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is making efforts to return to normalcy. A visa issued by the authorities of the Kingdom covers worshipping in the Prophet Mohammad Mosque in Madinah, Grand Mosque in Makkah, and Al Rawda Al Sharifa in Madinah.

What is ‘Safe Umrah’?

Coronavirus is known to have a drastically increased rate of spreading during mass gathering. As more and more pilgrims perform Safe Umrah in the coming months, it is crucial for the authorities and pilgrims to follow safety measures during their travel. In compliance with safety authorities, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced the ‘Safe Umrah Model’ to prevent the spread of coronavirus when pilgrims gather in a mass. Keen on offering quality yet safe services, the ministry accepted applications of pilgrims and offered them precautions in terms of transportation, gathering in the holy mosques, and accommodation.

The Umrah pilgrims coming through the Gulf Cooperation Council have to register their COVID-19 vaccination status. The registration has to be done at the Muqeem portal, and that must happen 72 hours prior to their entry into Saudi Arabia. Assistant Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Eng. Hisham Saeed said that pilgrims aspiring to perform Umrah must download the Tawakkalna application on their mobile phones and book an appointment to obtain permits to perform the pilgrimage. The intending pilgrim can choose the timing to visit the Grand Mosque, Rawda Shareef, and Prophet Muhammad Mosque, he added.

Guidelines for pilgrims preforming Safe Umrah

According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah guidelines, every overseas pilgrim must present an authorized certification for inoculation of COVID-19 vaccination. They must also present their Umrah request with the certificate. Vaccination is mandatory for every intending pilgrim to enter the Kingdom, use public transport, pray at mosques, and visit institutions. Pilgrims wishing to enter the holy mosques, Al-Masjid Al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi, must follow the COVID-19 protocols set up by the Ministry.

According to the latest report of the World Health Organisation, Saudi Arabia has confirmed 546,735 cases of coronavirus, and 8,679 have been dead. The country has administered 41.325,560 vaccines to its citizens. The guidelines are to be reframed and updated from time to time as new strains of the virus are posing great threat. Hence, the authorities request the pilgrims to keep themselves updated with the latest guidelines. Further, support lines have been established to resolve the queries of any individual who wants to understand the guidelines and perform the pilgrimage.

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Umrah And Hajj During COVID-19 In 2021

At times new strains of COVID-19 infections were spreading worldwide, the authorities put strict restrictions on Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. In July, only 60,000 people came to perform Hajj in comparison to an average of 2 million Hajj pilgrims every year. The allowed pilgrims were fully inoculated with the doses of Oxford’s AstraZeneca, and Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

As per the latest data, currently, Saudi reports– 545k total cases and 8.78k deaths due to COVID-19. However, the cases have seen a significant decline in the past few weeks. Consequently, authorities are preparing to permit foreign pilgrims at full capacity.

Mobile Application – E-Visa For Hajj And Umrah

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi minister of foreign affairs, announced the launch of an electronic visa registration smartphone-based application. The authorities will disclose the name of the app, its specifications, and necessary fields for the form registrations very soon. The application will ease the pressure from people gathering at the visas centers and possibly catching infections.

The biometric application will prove beneficial for people who are not aware of the new protocols. Some experts assume that it will contain guidelines that have to be followed while performing Umrah and Hajj. Pilgrims will have to submit necessary documents along with a certificate for vaccination. The authorities will verify the details and automatically grant e-visas according to the authenticity of the details.

Masjid Al-Haram To Work At Full Capacity

Another major news came from Masjid Al-Haram on 17th Oct 2021. The authorities at Grand Mosque are lifting off restrictions on the numbers of pilgrims to perform Hajj and Umrah. They took this decision considering the decline in COVID-19 cases and increasing inquiries for pilgrimage. Local media are publishing pictures and footage of people praying alongside maintaining minimal social distance. Though social distancing has been relaxed in Al-Haram, pilgrims will still have to wear masks at all times within the perimeter of the mosque.

Saudi Arabia has also lifted bans from many countries, including India, for the pilgrimage. These countries fell under red names due to COVID-19’s severity. As the world has considerably recovered from the havoc caused by COVID-19’s new strains, Saudi Arabia is steadily opening doors for these countries.

Authorities are using various mobile applications to track the individuals arriving in Makkah for the pilgrimages. These applications will tell the vaccination status, individual’s infection status, visa’s authenticity, and much more. Authorities request pilgrims to follow the guidelines provided by the authorities and keep themselves posted with any updates.

Moreover, several online portals and support stations are present to help pilgrims with their questions and answers related to Hajj and Umrah. Authorities request worshippers to take full advantage of such centers for safe pilgrimage.

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On 17th Oct 2021, Grand Mosque removes the markings for maintaining social distance as it prepares to work at full capacity. On Sunday morning, local media released pictures and footage of people praying alongside each other, symbolizing the restriction-free opening of Al-Haram.

Though authorities are relaxing the social distancing for the pilgrims, they will still strictly follow other COVID-19 protocols. Worshippers coming from all around the world and Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage should produce a certificate of vaccination and wear masks at all times. The holy Kaaba will remain unavailable from the general public’s reach.

The authorities have lifted the restrictions on fully vaccinated people gathering at public places. Restaurants and cinemas will work as normal, keeping COVID-19 protocols alive. As per their will, people can wear masks or not in open places but are mandatory in closed confinements. Additionally, vaccinated fans can attend sports events in the arenas and stadiums all around Saudi Arabia.

Umrah And Hajj During COVID-19 in 2021

Hajj is an essential pilgrimage that every Muslim has to do at least once in their lifetime. Hajj, along with Umrah, holds extreme importance in Islamic traditions. Therefore, authorities wouldn’t unnecessarily restrict people for long when the daily cases of infection have dropped considerably.

In July, only 60,000 fully vaccinated local pilgrims were allowed to carry out Hajj during COVID-19. The number is significantly less as compared to 2 million average hajj attendance every year. Also, the Umrah pilgrimage has seen a drastic decline due to COVID-19 restrictions. As the infection spread because of close human interactions, the restrictions were crucial to curb the new variants of the virus. Consequently, the annual revenue of the Kingdom of $12 billion from these two major pilgrimages has took a heavy toll.

As the Grand Mosque drops social distancing, it is expected to result in an increased influx of pilgrims. Vaccination has provided hope and faith in a better future. From August, fully inoculated foreigners were allowed to perform Umrah under strict guidelines. News of restrictions lifting from Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage is making restaurateurs and cinema theatres to be on their forefront. Malls are stalking up products to become locals’ delight. Restaurants have started to stack up and prepare for a surge in customers.

Authorities are launching new apps and ways to ease on to the process of pilgrimage registrations. Pilgrims coming to Makkah for Hajj and Umrah can make use of biometric self-registration. Also, due to many apps, people can see the infected individuals around them. The authorities are opting for new and best alternatives to make Umrah and Hajj secure. The authorities will serve holy water from the Zamzam well in single-use bottles. Moreover, the sterilization of bottles will effectively prevent any chances of spreading the COVID infection.

Ministry of Health And Hajj Authorities Recommendations

Authorities suggest worshippers take extra precautions on their part while performing pilgrimage. Further, they request the pilgrims to avoid unnecessary involvement with the crowd and wear masks in and out of Al-Haram. They should use sanitizers frequently, as suggested by the medical experts. Pilgrims should take advantage of online applications for visa and pilgrimage registrations. They should also install data-providing apps to identify COVID-19 infected individuals in their proximity. Finally, if a person feels sick and develops COVID-19 symptoms, the health ministry suggests they isolate themselves and seek medical guidance immediately.

In the wake of cases declining every day, Grand Mosque prepares to work at full capacity. Pilgrims can now pray restriction-free and focus on their devotion alone. As Hajj is an essential pilgrimage and is one of the five pillars of Islam, the excitement among the devotees for the restriction being lifting of is eminent. Skeptics are unsure about the safe Hajj and Umrah during COVID-19 as all are aware of the past havoc of the virus. But as the future is unstable and risks of new strains of infection loom worldwide, the authorities are on high alert. The authorities recommend pilgrims update themselves with the rules and regulations while performing Hajj and Umrah.

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Why do you need vaccinations for Umrah?

Every year, thousands of people undertake the journey of Hajj and Umrah that involves standing in close proximity. People from various countries with different lifestyles and medical histories arrive in Saudi Arabia annually. Such mass gathering can result in a wide spread of diseases due to which the government asks pilgrims to get vaccinated for typhoid, Tdap, polio, mumps and rubella, influenza, shingles, etc. These diseases could prove to be fatal for people over the age of 50, who have comorbid illnesses, and children, who have a weak immune system.

Vaccinations for Umrah, Saudi Arabia

Umrah requires pilgrims to take two kinds of vaccinations:

• Polysaccharide vaccine – A person must get a single dose of this vaccine in no less than 10 days or more than 3 years before arriving in the country.
• Conjugate vaccine – This vaccine has a single dose that is given no less than 10 days or 8 years prior to arriving in the sacred land of Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, if the traveller is from a country that is not the United Kingdom, the following vaccination certificates are a must:

• Poliomyelitis – Pilgrim has to present a receipt of an oral dose of polio taken within 12 months or at least a few weeks before applying for the visa.
• Yellow Fever – The World Health Organisation has identified some countries with yellow fever disease. A pilgrim travelling from such a place must present proof of vaccination.
• If the pilgrim belongs to the United Kingdom:
• Polio Dose – Pilgrims must have completed five polio doses. If the polio vaccination was 10 years ago then there is a requirement for a booster dose.
• Tetanus Shots – Tetanus shots are also mandatory for Umrah pilgrims.
• Measles and Rubella vaccine – It ensures that the person has high immunity against these diseases. In another case, one can also present proof of prior infection, ensuring that the body has immunity built against it.
• Seasonal Influenza – This is a requirement for people who are susceptible to contracting the infection. It includes children below five years of age, the elderly, pregnant women and people with heart and respiratory problems.

These requirements were brought into force considering the temperature and weather possibilities of several countries. For some, the climate of Saudi Arabia could be familiar, while for many, it could be a drastic change that can lead to common infections, which can spread among several people. Hence it is important to add the advised and approved vaccinations in Saudi Arabia travel plans.

Vaccinations Recommended for Umrah Pilgrims (Not Mandatory)

Considering that large gatherings are a risky situation for those who are prone to allergies, there are some more vaccinations that are recommended for Umrah pilgrims. They are not mandatory like the aforementioned vaccines but are recommended by WHO and are routine vaccinations for travelling to Saudi Arabia. Either way, they are helpful in ensuring that one stays safe from easily communicable diseases. Hence pilgrims are recommended to consult a doctor and must check their eligibility for vaccinations against the following diseases:

• Shingles: The disease spreads through the direct contact of humans with one another. One shot of this lasts for at least four years or even more in some people and prevents the spread of the disease. One can take this shot even when down with the disease.
• Meningitis: Caused by bacteria or fungi, the disease spreads through air and direct contact. It puts children and people with other ailments at high risk of catching it.
• Typhoid: The disease spreads through food and water. Therefore, people are highly recommended to get either a shot or an oral dose of the vaccine. It helps with the prevention of disease for the long-term.
• Pneumonia: Similar to influenza, pneumonia is also airborne and can affect several people at large during Umrah. It has two shots that people and children with compromised immune systems must take. It is also advised for elders above 65 years of age.
• Chickenpox: It spreads through air and direct contact. Therefore, those who have never had it and have never been vaccinated, must take a shot.

Suggested Precautions for Umrah Pilgrims

Performing Umrah requires pilgrims to be fit and healthy as it involves a lot of walking. It is important to stay safe from common cold, flu and other infections in order to complete the pilgrimage successfully. Hence, here are a few precautionary measures that every pilgrim must take when travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah,

1. Maintain personal hygiene to prevent catching diseases.
2. Use disposable wipes or napkins when sneezing and coughing. Dump them in a dustbin to ensure that a healthy person does not come in contact with them.
3. Disinfect hands frequently or wash them several times a day with soap water.
4. Avoid direct contact with the mouth, eyes and nose with another person.
5. Wear masks in a large gathering. It helps to avoid airborne transmission.
6. Try to avoid contact with an infected or ill person.

The government of Saudi Arabia ensures availability of preventable vaccines and has protocols in place to control the spread of a disease during an outbreak. By following these precautionary tips, pilgrims are requested to do their bit to make it a healthy and happy journey for fellow pilgrims.

Vaccinations For Saudi Arabia – Umrah Pilgrims FAQs

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