The resumption of Umrah for pilgrims from other countries started on 10 August 2021 as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to ease coronavirus restrictions.
As of 21 March 2022, the Saudi authorities lifted most of the precautionary measures which came in place during the COVID-19 pandemic in preparation for Ramadan 2022.
This includes removing all restrictions relating to COVID-19 and hence Saudi Arabia is now welcoming pilgrims to visit Masjid Al Haram and Masjid Al Nabawi (together known as the Haramain) regardless of their COVID-19 immunsation status.
However, such regulations are subject to change at any moment based on COVID-19 pandemic’s epidemiological status.
Please see the below guidance on how on to perform Umrah (correct at the time of publishing).
Pre-Departure
Download the Tawakkalna application (Google Play or App Store) before departure and register on arrival in Saudi Arabia within 8 hours of arrival. To use Tawakkalna in Saudi Arabia you will need an unlocked smartphone and mobile data services. Obtain a local pay as you go sim card with call, text and data allowances on arrival at the airport in Saudi Arabia with sufficient credit balance to avoid the hassle later if you need to top up. SIM cards can be purchased at the arrivals area at major airports (Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah etc.).
Download the Etamarna application and book your Umrah slot, this app can also be used to book prayers in the noble Rawdah and nafl tawaf.
Link to Download Eatmarna App: Google Play or App Store
Muqeem
It is no longer mandatory, but you may register your COVID-19 vaccine status at https://muqeem.sa/#/vaccine-registration/home before arrival and after obtaining your tourism visa with Umrah. The site is available in Arabic and English.
PCR / Antigen Testing
You no longer need to take a PCR or Antigen Test before departure to Saudi Arabia.
Vaccination Requirement for Umrah Visa:
Mandatory requirement to have had Meninigits ACWY Jab at least 10 days before arriving in KSA.
Check with your GP if you are up to date with all other vaccinations before travel along with any medications you may need for existing conditions (make allowances to take extra medication in case of delays on your return leg or you test positive for COVID and have to quarantine).
COVID Vaccinations Requirement for both Umrah & Tourism Visas:
Entry requirements for Saudi Arabia are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
If you are not vaccinated
Entry requirements for Saudi Arabia are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
What type of Visa do I need for Umrah?
There are two options currently available, one is to go for the traditional Umrah Visa and book via an approved Umrah Agent, and the other is to obtain the new Tourist e-Visa.
(1) e-Visa (Tourist Visa)
Have valid tourism visa obtained BEFORE arrival and select “With Umrah” option. However, if you would prefer, visa on arrival has reopened as of 25 March 2022 for passport holders from the US, UK and Schengen area.
e-Visa is valid for 1 year from date of issue, and you can stay for up to 90 days with multiple entry.
Have COVID 19 insurance. This insurance is included in all new tourism visa issues.
If you are entering on a previously issued tourism visa, you will need to pay an additional fee of SAR 40 at the airport on arrival to cover insurance for any COVID-19 related medical expenses.
Apply for the eVisa here
For more info visit: https://www.visitsaudi.com/en
(2) Umrah Visa
Your Umrah company will obtain an Umrah Visa for you which is valid for 90 days from issuance and you are allowed to stay a maximum of 30 days on single visit only.
In most circumstances, the Umrah Visa is issued as part of a package which may include flights, accommodation, transportation, ziyarah tour etc.
Are there age restrictions on who can perform Umrah?
All ages can enter Saudi Arabia.
As of the date of the article, children aged five and above can perform Umrah on the Umrah visa.
There are currently still restrictions in place at Masjid Al Nabawi for children being allowed to enter inside the Masjid. Currently children can enter the courtyard, but the restrictions are still in place to enter the Masjid.
How many Umrahs can I perform?
As of 5 March 2022, the Saudi authorities have removed the ten-day waiting period between Umrah permits. Thus, a new Umrah permit can now be issued immediately after each Umrah.
There is no limit on the number of Umrah you can perform with an Umrah Visa. We advise you to obtain a wristband from your Umrah company, which will give you ease of access to Haram and to performing Umrah. This is particularly useful for those who are not tech savvy as you do not need to use the Etamarna booking App to book Umrah. Certain hotels can also issue you Umrah permits, but please check with them before booking.
What are the restrictions to touch the Ka’bah, Black Stone, Prayers in Hateem and Mataaf?
Entry to Mataaf is only allowed for pilgrims carrying a valid Umrah permit and for the purpose of tawaf only. There is a restriction in place to touch the Ka’bah, black stone and prayers in the Hateem as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19.
Can I perform Nafl Tawaf?
Nafl tawaf (i.e., not part of an umrah) is now allowed on the first floor only of Masjid Al Haram. You can book your time slot through the Etamarna app. Please note as it is only permitted to be performed on first floor it can take approximately 60-90 minutes to complete.
Visiting the Noble Rawdah in Medinah?
You can book a visit to the Rawdah in Masjid Al Nabawi through the Eatmarna app only. Slots are very popular, so we encourage you to book as soon as possible. Please note, at the date of this article, only one visit is allowed per 30 days. The Eatmarna app will block any additional visits within the 30-day period. Therefore, for most pilgrims, they will only be able to visit the Rawdah once during their stay.
Men: entry will be through Gate 38 during the day and Gate 2 during the evening.
Women: entry will be through Gate 24 during the day and Gates 24 and 37 during the evening.
However, please double check the gate number on your permit via Eatmarna app as it is subject to change.
What travel documents do I need to carry?
- Valid Passport with at least 6 months validity on your return date
- eVisa
- Muqeem vaccine/arrival registration certificate (optional)
- eTicket/Airline Ticket/Boarding Pass
What’s the latest UK Government Travel Advice to Saudi Arabia?
Please bookmark and visit the link below for the latest FCDO travel advice to Saudi Arabia. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia
Hajj 2022
As Umrah rules begin to relax, can I strat to book my Hajj Package?
NO – It is too soon to book Hajj packages for this year. We advise you to wait for official announcements by the Saudi Authorities which will be published on our website and social media feeds. However you should start to prepare by ensuring that you have had all your doses of the COVID vaccinations and researched your Hajj tour operator. Do not make any deposit payments at this stage.
Comments are closed.