Saudi Arabia has eased covid-19 restrictions in a move that will see millions of pilgrims from across the world visiting two holy mosques in Makkah and Medina.
Saudi’s Interior Ministry said the decision was made based on developments in the epidemiological situation of the virus.
It highlighted the major progress achieved in combatting the pandemic including the success of vaccination programs and the high rates of immunisation and immunity achieved across the country.
Social distancing measures in the Grand Holy Mosque and the Prophet’s Holy Mosque have been suspended while continuing to abide by wearing masks inside these facilities, as well as lifting social distancing measures in all open and closed places, activities, and events.
People will not be required to wear masks in open areas, however, wearing masks is still mandatory in closed places.
Under the latest pronouncements, passengers arriving in the Kingdom will no longer be required to present PCR test or rapid antigen test results, while those arriving in the on visit visas are required to have medical insurance to cover any incurred Covid-19 treatment costs during their stay in the Kingdom.
Quarantine measures removed
Institutional and home quarantine measures for international passengers have also been lifted.
Saudi authorities also lifted the suspension on direct arrival to the Kingdom, and the suspension of all flights arriving in and departing from the Kingdom from and to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, Seychelles, Comoros, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan.
Demand for Umrah has risen considerably for the coming days and the last 10 days of Ramadan and is expected to increase higher than pre-pandemic levels, after two years of Covid-19 restrictions.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that fully-vaccinated children are allowed to enter the Grand Mosque in Makkah and Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
The minimum age requirement for permits through the Umrahna and Tawakkalna applications is five years.
‘Umrah is now open to everyone‘
More than 29.4 million permits have been issued to the Grand Mosque in the past seven months.
During the same period, more than 3.7 million permits were granted to worshippers to the Prophet’s Mosque.
Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, said: “Two years ago, Umrah was closed down due to the pandemic, and now it is open to everyone.”
The issuance of Umrah permits for the holy month of Ramadan is now open through the Eatmarna and Tawakkalna applications. Pilgrims can get permits for Umrah during Ramadan by registering via the above-mentioned applications.
“The ministry and other entities working in the service of pilgrims are keen to facilitate performing Umrah in the holy month of Ramadan by allowing the Guests of Allah to pre-plan their Umrah.”
