Saudi Arabia to allow Umrah starting October

Riyadh

Saudi Arabia will allow the performance of the Umrah and the visit, to gradually resume starting in October, taking into account the health precautionary measures

Royal approval was issued re-allowing the performance of Umrah, entering the Grand Mosque and visiting Holy Raudah in the Prophet’s Mosque gradually according to the following stages:

In the first stage, starting October 4th, citizens and expatriates in the Kingdom will be allowed to perform Umrah, 6,000 performers per day which is 30% of the Grand Mosque capacity, taking into account the health precautionary measures, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

In the second stage, starting October 18th, citizens and expatriates in the Kingdom will be allowed to perform Umrah, 15,000 performers per day which is 75% of the Grand Mosque capacity. As well as performing the visit in the Holy Raudah, 40,000 performers which are 75% of the Prophet’s Mosque capacity.

The third stage, starting November 1st, citizens and expatriates from inside and outside the Kingdom will be allowed to perform Umrah, 20,000 performers per day which is 100% of the Grand Mosque capacity. As well as performing the visit in the Holy Raudah, 60,000 performers which are 100% of the Prophet’s Mosque capacity. However, the Health Ministry announced that the arrival of Umrah performers and visitors from outside the Kingdom shall be gradual from the countries that are free from health risks related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The fourth stage, citizens and expatriates from inside and outside the Kingdom will be allowed to perform Umrah, and the visit at 100% of the normal capacity of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque when the competent authority decides that the risks of the pandemic have disappeared.

The entry of pilgrims, worshipers, and visitors shall be regulated through Hajj and Umrah Ministry in cooperation with the Health Ministry.

The pilgrims, worshipers, and visitors must adhere to the health precautionary measures, including wearing masks, keeping a safe distance, and avoiding physical contact.

These announced stages and decisions will be subjected to continuous evaluation, according to the developments of the pandemic.

Saudi Arabia affirmed its keenness to enable the pilgrims from inside and outside the Kingdom to perform the rituals in a safe and healthy manner to ensure human safety and protection from the threats of this pandemic, and achieve the objectives of the Islamic law in preserving human lives.