JEDDAH – Saudi Arabia has announced to grant permits for performing Umrah and prayers in the Grand Mosque and for visiting the Prophet’s Mosque to only people vaccinated against COVID-19.
Visitors from other countries will not be able to perform Umrah as the Kingdom has suspended international flights till May 17.
“…with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, it has been decided to raise the operational capacity of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, while adhering to all precautionary and preventive measures issued by the relevant authorities,” said the Haj and Umrah ministry in a statement.
“Granting permits to perform Umrah and prayers in the Grand Mosque and to visit the Prophet’s Mosque starting from 1st, Ramadan, 1442H for immunized persons according to the (Tawakkalna) application for immunization categories (Immune Person who received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine / Immune Person after 14 days of receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine / Immune Person who has recovered from the infection),” the statement read.
The ministry has asked the pilgrims to get permits from accredited platforms Eatmarna) and (Tawakkalna).
Last month, the Saudi government had announced a ban on iftar gatherings or Aitekaf at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina during Ramadan.