A phased resumption of the Umrah for international visitors will kick-in as of November. The Saud family suspended the Umrah in March while the Hajj pilgrimage was significantly scaled down due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Under the new plan, the kingdom announced that around twenty thousand pilgrims will be permitted to perform the ritual. However, only pilgrims between 18-50 years of age will be allowed to travel from abroad. The pilgrims would also have to provide a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival and would need to self-quarantine for three days.
The opening of the Umrah for international travellers will come as a much-needed boost for the country’s economy.
Pilgrims need to book their tours of the Two Holy Mosques, and include visits to the Prophet’s Mosque and Prophet’s Chamber. International pilgrims will be divided into groups of 50, each group with an appointed guide.
