Saudi Arabia to allow phased Umrah as of Oct. 4

Saudi Arabia announced four phases to resume Umrah, amid compliance with the required preventive health procedures, the Saudi Press Agency reported, citing an official Ministry of Interior source.   

Under the first phase, citizens and residents inside the Kingdom will be allowed to perform Umrah per day in the Grand Mosque as of Sunday, Oct. 4, at a 30% capacity (6,000 pilgrims per day).   

The second phase will allow citizens and residents inside the Kingdom to perform Umrah in the Grand Mosque as of Oct. 18, at a 75% capacity (15,000 pilgrims per day, 40,000 worshippers per day).   

Under the third phase, Umrah, visits and prayers will be allowed for citizens, as well as residents inside and outside the Kingdom as of Sunday, Nov. 1 until the coronavirus pandemic is officially over at a 100% capacity (20,000 Umrah pilgrims per day, 60,000 worshippers /day) of the Two Holy Mosques.   

Visitors and Umrah pilgrims will enter the Kingdom in phases, from the countries approved by the Ministry of Health.   

Under the fourth phase, Umrah and prayers will be allowed for citizens, as well as residents inside and outside the Kingdom in the Two Holy Mosques at a 100% capacity.   

The entry of pilgrims, worshippers and visitors will be regulated through Eatmarna application.  

The Ministry of Interior urged all visitors, pilgrims and worshippers attending the holy sites to adhere to the preventive measures, wear face masks, maintain a safe distance from others, and refrain from physical contact. 

The ministry said Saudi Arabia wants to “empower pilgrims, both from inside and outside the Kingdom, to be able to perform “the ritual in a safe and healthy manner,” while protecting them from the threats of the pandemic.” 

The four phases will be under continuous evaluation, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic developments.