As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to loosen restrictions on coronavirus, Umrah began again for pilgrims from other countries on August 10, 2021.

On September 30, 2021, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said that the number of pilgrims doing Umrah daily would be raised to 100,000. This is an increase of 30,000 over the current limit, which means that 60,000 people will be able to pray at Masjid Al Haram.

The Saudi government put social distance rules back in place at the two holy mosques on December 30, 2021, and they are still in place (also known as the Haramain). Due to the Ministry of Interior putting back in place these precautionary measures, everyone in the Haramain has to wear a mask.

On March 3, 2023, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said that people 5 years and older who had been immunized against COVID-19 could visit Haramain by getting the necessary permits through the Eatmarna app.

Look at the guide below to learn how to do Umrah:

Pre-Departure

• All people who go to Saudi Arabia after February 9, 2023, must have a negative PCR test or negative antigen test within 48 hours of leaving. 
• Please keep in mind that you can’t get these tests through the NHS. Instead, you have to book them through private medical companies.
• Download the Tawakkalna app before you leave, and then sign up when you get to Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, you will need a smartphone that is unlocked and mobile data services to use Tawakkalna. Get a local pay-as-you-go SIM card at the Saudi Arabian airport that lets you make calls, send texts, and use data. Make sure it has enough credit on it, so you don’t have to worry about topping it up later. SIM cards can be bought at major airports’ arrivals areas (Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, etc.).
• Download the Eatmarna app and book your Umrah slot. You can also use this app to book a visit and salaam to the Prophet’s blessed grave, prayer in the noble Rawdah, and salah in Masjid Al Haram Makkah. Google Play and the App Store are where you can get the Eatmarna app.

Note: At any given time, you can only have four permits that are valid. Salaah at Masjid Al Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque) does not need to be booked. To get into the Prophet’s Mosque, you will need to show the Tawakkalna app your COVID-19 vaccination status. So, if you are in Saudi Arabia, you should always have your smartphone with you.

You MUST register your vaccination status at https://muqeem.sa/#/vaccine-registration/home before you arrive and after you get your Umrah tourism visa.

How Many Times Can I Do Umrah?

If you have an eVisa, you can do one Umrah every 10 days. With an Umrah Visa, you can go on as many Umrah trips as you want. You should ask your Umrah company for a wristband, which will make it easy for you to get into the Haram and do your Umrah. This is great for people who don’t know much about technology because you don’t have to use the Etamarna booking app to book Umrah or Salaah (Prayers). Some hotels can also give you Umrah permits, but you should check with them first before making a reservation.