Umrah and Hajj are two emotional and sensitive events. Every year Muslims gather to perform a Hajj from around the globe. The majority of people love to perform Umrah that has an emotional connection with pilgrims. Therefore, organizing a crowded event is a challenging task for the ministry of KSA, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Umrah in pandemic may be a reason to spread contagious disease in Muslims. Umrah during COVID is really a hectic time for all Muslims. The Saudi Ministry announces specific restrictions and guidelines for Muslims. These restrictions are imposed to sop COVID-19.
Do Muslims allow performing Umrah in pandemics?
We all know that COVID-19 has changed our lives and made a great impact on our daily routine. But Saudi ministry announces to reopen the border of Makkah and allow foreigners to perform Hajj and Umrah in 2022. For all of us, Makkah is our desired place. Therefore, Muslims should perform Umrah with pure intention and enlighten them with all practical steps of Umrah application. Please note that it is highly recommended to perform Umrah and Hajj with a reputable group or travel agency in the UK.
What to do for Umrah in 2022?
The pilgrims must follow and accept the implemented rules of doing Umrah. Indeed, during pandemics, we all feel stressed and witnessed many changes in our lives. Unluckily, we also face a big gap in Umrah. In July 2022, the Saudi government also going to arrange Hajj pilgrimage and start receiving Hajj applications.
Now 60,000 pilgrims can perform Umrah in a month to maintain the worldly rules of COVID-19. Children are also allowed to fulfill the vaccination requirements and get valid Umrah visas. Therefore, it is essential to follow all basic rules and Umrah tips that we are going to discuss below.
Tips to perform Umrah during COVID-19
Umrah is a memorable journey to the grand Masjid, where Muslims need to follow a set of rituals. Muslims make Tawaf around Kaaba and further complete the rituals on Mina. Thus, the Saudi government allows Muslims to enter Makkah for Umrah’s purpose. They regulate Umrah through permits.
During a pandemic, the Umrah ministry allows two shifts of Umrah, and only three thousand Muslims are allowed to perform Umrah each time. Permits and maintaining social distancing are crucial. There would be different health checkpoints and Umrah management strictly enforced a mask rule. Umrah with all these rules would be very easy, smooth, and safe for pilgrims. So, here we discuss some tips to perform Umrah in the pandemic.
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Get a valid visa
It is extremely important to organize Umrah to keep in check the spread of COVID-19. Umrah in a pandemic is a crowded event. Unfortunately, it creates a mess and contributes to a spike in the cases of COVID-19. Therefore, it is crucial to take proper measures and avoid any distractions during the sacred journey.
First of all, pilgrims need to obtain a valid Umrah visa for entry into KSA. Visa is necessary to embark on the religious journey of Umrah. Here are quick points to obtain an Umrah visa:
- Submit a complete visa application through certified agents.
- Recent and passport size pictures
- Country passport with six months validity
- Confirmed and non-refundable airlines ticket
- Vaccination certificates of yellow fever, Meningococcal Meningitis, and COVID-19
- Females must travel with their Mahram and provide proof of relationship along with visa application
- Book flights and accommodation in advance
We know that we are living in the uncertainty of traveling to another country. Therefore, it is advisable to book flights and accommodation with flexibility. Go with such airlines who offer flexible and refundable options. Try to go with an airline that refunds your money in any case. Most importantly, if you are going with family, then you must take decided on accommodation in advance. For this, you can grab Umrah packages from famous companies.
Make the best use of mobile apps
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Tawakkalna app
Technology makes our lives easy. Now pilgrims can record, track and monitor their traveling records through mobile apps. Saudi ministry also introduces the Tawakkalna app to keep all personal data of pilgrims safe related to COVID-19. The app must be updated with PCR test and vaccination status. Some apps are used to move and get access into public places in Makkah. However, you must download the Tawakkalna app and get instant access to important places. On this app, vaccination and PCR results will be shown to get entry into KSA. This app also works as a tracker and locates the person’s location. The groups must use this app for taking permits.
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Eatmarna app
The Eatmarna app is also used to get a permit to enter Haram and book an Umrah in a specific time slot. This app works with Tawakkalna, so pilgrims only get access in the Haram on updated COVID-19 status. These all are essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and have fewer crowds in Haram.
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Register on Muqeem
After the visa, pilgrims need to register themselves on the Muqeem app which is the official app of the Saudi ministry. After registration, Muslims get an Umrah visa and confirm smooth travel. The vaccination status must be updated 72hrs before entry in Makkah.
Checking Temperature before entering HaramA vaccination certificate is essential
The Saudi ministry clear that only vaccinated people are allowed to enter Kaaba. All domestic and foreign pilgrims must take their vaccination dose against COVID-19. But they are also allowed to take fully accepted and official vaccines like Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna, and many others. Recently, the Saudi ministry advise taking booster shots even pilgrims enter for a short- or long-term visit in Makkah.
Negative PCR test
It is more useful Umrah tips in 2022. The pilgrims need to obtain a negative PCR test report at least 72hrs before departure of KSA. The PCR report must be in written form and pilgrims must take the printed report to the airport.
