Hajj is one of Islam’s five pillars. Before the pandemic, millions of Muslims traveled to Makkah to visit Masjid al-Haram and perform religious ceremonies. In addition to this Ibda (the act of devotion), Muslims must also perform the Umrah, commonly known as the “minor Hajj.”

After last year’s successful Hajj, Saudis, ex-pats, and foreigners can perform Umrah. Umrah 2023? Will Saudi Arabia impose new rules?

Umrah Requirements 2023

Testing Requirements

Saudi Arabia no longer requires foreign pilgrims to submit a negative PCR test or Rapid Antigen result to enter the country. A visit visa requires a traveler to be insured for any COVID-19-related treatment charges they may incur while on vacation.

Vaccinations Requirements

Saudi Arabia has lifted all restrictions on COVID-19 as of March 23, 2023. Upon entering the Kingdom, pilgrims are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination. As a result, unvaccinated pilgrims can now visit Saudi Arabia at any moment to do the Umrah.

Pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia should be aware of the following mandatory vaccination requirements before arriving in the Kingdom:

• Yellow Fever vaccine
• Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine
• Polio vaccine
• Seasonal Flu vaccine

Registration for Vaccinated Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia’s muqeem portal must be registered at least 72 hours before a traveler’s arrival in the Kingdom.

The governmental health authorities in the country of origin must certify the vaccination certificates before travelers can use them. The Ministry of Health or any recognized health authority can fulfill this role. Traveling to or from the Kingdom requires the availability of the original certificate.

Before boarding and at the entry points, all information will be checked. If these conditions aren’t met, entrance will be denied, and further legal ramifications.

Quarantine Requirements

In line with the new rules for entering Saudi Arabia, all foreign pilgrims coming to the Kingdom will not have to go through quarantine.

What Kind of Visa Is Required for the Umrah Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia?

Umrah e-visas and visas are available to foreign pilgrims who wish to make the holy travel.

Umrah Visa

An authentic, fully-filled-out Umrah visa application. Send a large, self-addressed mail to your nearest Saudi consulate to get a copy of this form. A qualified travel agent can help guarantee that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible.

Passport-size color photo with a white background, taken within the last year or two. The applicant’s face must be completely visible and facing the camera. There will be no side or skewed views approved.

A passport has at least six months of validity from the date of the application.

An airline ticket that is non-refundable and confirmed. The date of arrival in Saudi Arabia shall be no more than two weeks.

A valid residency permit must be submitted if the applicant is not a national of the country from which they are applying.

Meningococcal, Yellow Fever, and Polio vaccination certificates should be attached. The vaccination certificate must be issued no more than three years before entry.

Umrah eVisa

• An Umrah visa application form
• A valid email address
• A debit or credit card
• A valid passport
• A recent passport photo

Schedule your Umrah trip with the help of experts at Makkah Hajj Corporation!