Umrah to resume for int’l pilgrims from August 10

Dhaka: Saudi Arabia has announced to allow internationals pilgrims to perform Umrah from August 10.

The kingdom on July 25 in a circular announced the resumption of Umrah service for international pilgrims from 1st Muharram, 1443, after the end of the Hajj season.

Meanwhile, on July 25, Umrah for Saudi citizens and residents in the Kingdom resumed.

Also, from July 25, Umrah agencies have been allowed to issue visas.

All countries have been allowed to send direct flights except for nine: India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, and Lebanon.

Pilgrims from these countries will need to quarantine for 14 days in a third country before arriving in the Kingdom.

Additionally, it has been made compulsory to be vaccinated against Covid-19 with complete doses of either Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or J&J; complete doses of China's vaccines with a booster shot of either Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or J&J.

Umrah, the voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina undertaken any time of the year, was suspended over coronavirus concerns in February last year for international pilgrims. The Kingdom then resumed Umrah after a six-month hiatus in October last year.