Haj and Umrah 2021,Only vaccinated pilgrims can visit Makkah, Madinah to perform Umrah.
Saudi official makes the announcement at Abu Dhabi Covid-19 Summit.
The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is planning to introduce an official authentication process for all nations to allow only those traveller, who have been administered the Covid-19 jab, this year to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madina to perform Hajj and Umrah 2021-2022 .
During a discussion on the second and the concluding day of Hope Consortium’s World Immunization and Logistics Summit in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, Dr. Hani Jokhdar, Undersecretary of Public Health, Ministry of Health, KSA, said as the Kingdom prepares for this year’s Hajj and Umrah, the authorities are looking forward to all nations to have an official authentication code that identifies people who have received the vaccine to make it easier for pilgrims.
“We’d like to have an official authentication process of the vaccine for all nations. In Saudi Arabia, anyone who has been administered the jab receives a quick response (QR) code that confirms that they’ve received the vaccine,” he said.
“We’re urging all countries to have an official authentication process that is easy and readable at our borders. So, people who have been vaccinated can easily enter the country and perform Hajj and Umrah without facing difficulties,” he added.
Dr. Jokhdar said the nation’s leadership supported the fight against Covid-19 from the outset and a special committee was formed to lead the fight against the pandemic.
“From July 2020 to date, the committee has met over 200 times to discuss various measures to contain the spread of the viral Covid outbreak, including ways to expedite the vaccination process,” he said.
“We believe the global population needs to be vaccinated for the safety of everyone. We might not get rid of the virus anytime soon, but we need a safer zone that all countries should reach,” he added.
Dr. Jokhdar said the KSA authorities have dedicated themselves as one of the countries in the world that are playing a leading role in fighting the viral scourge. They have donated $500 million (m) for conducting research, treatment, and vaccine development and distribution through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which is co-leading Covax.
He said all Saudi citizens and residents aged above 16 are being administered the Pfizer and AstraZeneca jabs for free.
“Vaccination centres have been distributed across the country and all people are now eligible to receive the vaccine. Our target is to have 70 per cent of the population vaccinated before July 13,” he said.
He said health authorities first administered the jab to frontline workers and the vulnerable and from mid-February others are eligible to register themselves and get vaccinated.
“We’re administering an average of 150,000 doses daily. We’re looking at ramping the daily count soon,” he added.
Dr. Jokhdar said the government was keen on implementing all Covid-19 precautionary measures and everyone, including stateless people, who are living in the country illegally, was provided with treatment in a bid to keep the contagion at bay.
The Royal consulate of Saudi Arabia in Mumbai India,Release update that Stamping Process is started
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Muscat: All arrivals into the Sultanate starting from 2:00 pm on Monday, 29th March 2021, shall book accommodation in hotels and institutional isolation via the Sahala platform, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said in a circular on Tuesday.
A statement issued online by the CAA said: “Based on the decisions made by the Supreme Committee for dealing with COVID-19 and with the reference to the circulars issued by the Civil Aviation Authority on 11th and 15th February 2021, and in coordination with various departments, the Civil Aviation Authority would like to inform travellers arriving into the Sultanate and all airlines operating into the Sultanate of the following:
1- All arrivals into the Sultanate starting from 2:00 pm on Monday, 29th March 2021, shall book accommodation in hotels and institutional isolation.
Exemptions to categories mentioned above in the above two previous circulars are still applicable.
2- Airlines are responsible for ensuring that the passenger is holding a confirmed booking via the Sahala platform.
3- All other requirements as stipulated in previous circulars remain valid.
RIYADH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that the domestic pilgrims Saudi National & Expatriates between the ages of 18 and 70 will be allowed to perform Umrah , Confirming this is in line with the directives issued by the Ministry of Health as part of the precautionary measures and preventive protocols to stem the spread of coronavirus Covid-19.
It is also updated & said that beneficiaries of Eatmarna application can repeat the Umrah & Buy Umrah Packages2021 after the expiry of the current permit. A new permit can be issued at the earliest Slot available opportunity in the event of canceling the previous Umrah permit. “As per the current regulation, booking can be made for the issuance of the Umrah permit every 15 days. It is possible to make the booking on a daily basis through the application and the transportation service is optional,” the ministry of saudi said.
Referring to reports about the non-availability of reservation for Umrah through the application, the ministry clarified that it needs to be booked within minutes due to the large density of the number of users of the application, exceeding two million Muslim users for Booking Umrah Permits.
The ministry said that it is still implementing the third phase of the gradual resumption of the Umrah Packages service that began from Nov. 1, 2020. Both foreign pilgrims and domestic are allowed to perform the Umrah ritual as well & also can visit the Prophet’s Mosque and the Rawdah Sharif from the beginning of this phase.
A total of 20,000 Umrah pilgrims are allowed to perform Umrah and 60,000 worshipers are being given permit to perform prayer at the Grand Makkah Mosque with 100 percent of the operational capacity during the current phase.
If you are flying to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, you are kindly requested by health authorities in Saudi Arabia to follow health guidance below to keep you protected when you travel with SAUDIA.
Non-Saudi nationals holding Tourist Visas are not allowed to enter the Kingdom during COVID-19 pandemic.
Travelling with ID has been suspended for GCC citizens.
All arriving guests including the members of diplomatic missions accredited in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and their families (except Saudi citizens and children below 8 years of age) must provide negative PCR test certificate issued from a verified laboratory does not exceed (72) hours from the time the test is undertaken until departing to the kingdom, and guests who did not provide the certificate will be denied from boarding the airplane.
Above points not applied on countries that suspended from traveling to/from the kingdom in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as decided by the competent committee as a result of COVID-19 outbreak in these countries.
Temporarily suspending entry into the Kingdom for all guests coming or passed from (Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Germany, United States of America, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Lebanon, Egypt, India, Japan) and same applies to those who are coming from other countries if they have passed through any of the aforementioned countries during (14) days preceding their entry to the Kingdom. ( Except Saudi Citizens and their families and accompanying workers , Diplomats, Health Practitioners and their families. Also, they must undergo for self-quarantine as mentioned below and providing a negative result of (PCR) test certificate for Non-Saudi nationals over eight years old.
All guests arriving from countries (Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Germany, United States of America, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Lebanon, Egypt, India, Japan) shall be quarantined in their homes for a period of (14) days.
All guests will undergo for self-quarantine as following :
All non-Saudi Citizens guests arriving from the United Kingdom, South Africa as well as from any other country being specified by the competent health authorities, in which the strain of the new Corona Virus (B.1,1,7) is spread, shall spend no less than (14) days outside the country in which the new strain of Corona Virus is spread before entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a PCR examination after the expiration of this period proving that passenger is free from infection of COVID-19.
Saudi Citizens, Diplomats, Health Practitioners and their families and who are allowed to travel into the Kingdom for humanitarian and urgent cases and health practitioners arriving from above listed countries where the strain of the new Corona Virus is spread must be quarantined in their homes for a period of (14) days.
All guests arriving from countries in which cases of the strain of the new Corona Virus were registered shall be quarantined in their homes for a period of (7) days.
All guests who are arriving from the rest of other countries, the (7) days mandatory home quarantine shall be applied or (3) days at least with mandatory laboratory PCR exam.
All guests must download and register on Tatamman and Tawakkalna Applications.
Guests must assign home location Through Tatamman app within 8 hours of arrival.
Guests most monitor COVID-19 symptoms, and immediately call 937 if any symptoms appeared or go to primary healthcare center or emergency if necessary.
Guests must do daily health assessment in Tatamman app.
Guests must follow precautionary procedures during self-quarantine at home as stated in the Health Disclaimer Form.
Non-Saudi Citizens being family members of Saudi Citizens or home workers of Saudi Citizens are allowed to enter the Kingdom directly if travelling with the Saudi Citizens and without the need to spend no less than (14) days outside the country in which the new strain of Corona Virus is spread but still need to provide a negative PCR test certificate issued from a verified laboratory does not exceed (72) hours from the time the test is undertaken until departing to the kingdom.
Allow Saudi Woman who is married to Non-Saudi Man to travel to/from Saudi Arabia accompanied by her husband or joining her husband abroad by providing marriage document.
Allow Saudi Men who are married to Non-Saudi Women who happen to be residing abroad to travel to/from Saudi Arabia to their wives by providing marriage document. Applying the preventive precautionary procedures with regard to providing a negative PCR test before travelling to the Kingdom.
Traveling abroad from UK :
All guests traveling abroad from the UK must complete the Travel Declaration Form before their travel via the link here to confirm that they are legally allowed to travel abroad from UK.
All guests must follow the rules & guidance of the UK lockdown, please check the “Stay at Home” restrictions
THE PREVENTIVE MEASURES APPLIED IN SAUDI ARABIA IN REGARD FOR COVID-19 AND THE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING IT :
Before travelling:
If a person who intend to travel to Saudi Arabia was diagnosed with COVID-19 or was in contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19, he/she should declare to health authorities at their country, and not to travel until 14 days after diagnosis or last contact. Violations are subject for prosecution under (Health Control at Points of Entry Regulation). They would be subjected to fines not exceeding (500,000) Saudi Riyals, and held accountable to consequences of their violation on others.
Perform COVID-19 PCR within the timeframe assigned by Saudi Arabia, and test result is proof of COVID-19 clearance. Violators will be denied entry to Saudi Arabia.
Upon arrival:
If respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) are present, declare to Health Control Centers.
Sign documents required by health authorities and submit to relevant authority at point of entry.
Download and register to applications required by health authorities.
Violations are subject for prosecution under (Health Control at Points of Entry Regulation). They would be subjected to fines not exceeding (500,000) Saudi Riyals, and held accountable to consequences of their violation on others. After entry:
After entry:
Comply with isolation/quarantine according to time and location decided and mentioned in documents signed by traveler, update health status and report symptoms to health authorities. Violations of isolation/quarantine requirements are subjected to penalty not exceeding (200,000) Saudi Riyals or imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both. Repeated violations are subject to doubled penalties.
Comply with preventive measures after completion of isolation/quarantine period:
Social distancing and violation of preventive measures is penalized by (1,000) Saudi Riyals, including not using face-masks, not maintaining social distancing, refusing temperature screening at entrance to public or private facilities, and not complying with assigned protocols for persons with fever. Penalties are doubled when violations are repeated.
Avoid large gatherings and not to invite to such gatherings. Violations are penalized by (10,000) Saudi Riyals. Penalties are doubled when violations are repeated.
Maintain hand washing with soap and water and sanitization.
Request healthcare when symptoms suggestive of infection appear, by calling health authorities on 937 and comply with preventive measures to protect the public.
International flights to resume normal operations from May 17,2021 GACA confirms
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has confirmed May 17 (Shawwal 5) as the date for the resumption of international airports and the complete opening of airports all over the Kingdom.
In a circular on Wednesday, the GACA informed all airlines operating from the Saudi airports about the change of the date mentioned in an earlier circular for allowing Saudi citizens to travel abroad, as well as the complete lifting of the suspension of international flights, and the opening of the Kingdom’s airports.
According to the circular, the move will be effective from 1:00 a.m. on May 17 (Shawwal 5, 1442).
In the earlier circular issued on Jan. 12, the GACA notified the airlines about the previously scheduled date for the resumption of service, which was March 31.
The authority stressed the need to adhere to the preventive protocols and precautionary measures as well as instructions issued by the concerned higher committee in this regard to stem the spread of coronavirus epidemic in the Kingdom.
It also noted that the implementation of the decision to allow travel and return would not be applicable to countries that the committee decides to suspend travel or return due to the spread of the pandemic.
It is noteworthy that Saudi Arabia postponed on Jan. 29 this year the reopening of its sea, land, and airports and extended the travel ban for its citizens till May 17 instead of March 31.
The official source at the interior ministry said the decision was taken based on the health ministry’s statement that the COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers were late in delivering contracted batches on schedule.
The source added the move to extend the date was made due to the importance of reaching high levels of community immunity in Saudi Arabia before travel is permitted, in light of a possible second wave of the pandemic in many countries, in the interest of public health in the Kingdom and to maintain low infection rates.
How Indians can visit Saudi Arabia despite travel ban Till May 2021
Our firms are offering passengers the option to travel via the Bahrain Quarantine Packages at an extra cost following Saudi ban on Direct flights from India
The Saudi ban on flights from India may be still in force but we are offering Indian passengers an option to fly via the Bahrain.
There are restrictions on the categories of passengers who can enter Saudi Arabia at this time. Please check the requirements before you travel. If you are travelling to Saudi Arabia, you must take a COVID‑19 PCR test before departure.
COVID‑19 testing requirements
All non‑Saudis, except children 8 years and below, must present a negative COVID‑19 PCR test result issued by an accredited laboratory. The test must be done not later than 72 hours before the scheduled departure to the Kingdom and the test validity is from the time the sample was taken.
Quarantine
Saudi nationals, diplomats, health practitioners and their families coming from the below list of countries or transiting in any of these countries within (14) days prior to their return to Kingdom shall be quarantined in their homes for a period of (14) days in the kingdom:
Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Germany, United States of America, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Lebanon, Egypt, India and Japan
Required forms
All passengers must complete the health disclaimer form provided on board and present it on arrival to the Airport Health Control Centre.
Travel Eligibility
Entry into the Kingdom is temporarily suspended for passengers coming from Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Germany, United States of America, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Lebanon, Egypt, India and Japan. This includes those coming from other countries if they have passed through any of aforementioned countries during (14) days preceding the request to enter to the Kingdom.
This does not apply to Saudi Nationals, Saudi family members and their accompanying workers who have been in the suspended countries, diplomats, health practitioners and their families.
Travel from Saudi Arabia
If you are travelling from Saudi Arabia, you may be required to take a COVID‑19 PCR test and submit additional documentation before departure. Please check the requirements of your specific destination before you travel.
Required forms
Saudi nationals must have prior approval from the local authority to be eligible to travel from Saudi Arabia to or transit Dubai.
All nationalities, except Saudi nationals, are allowed to travel from Saudi Arabia to or transit Dubai.
Other information
Please refer to the Ministry of Health website for the list of authorised COVID‑19 PCR testing centres in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia says COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for Hajj 2021
Announcing the schedule for this year’s Haj 2021 pilgrimage, the Haj Committee of India said that it will take place under special circumstances with special norms, rules and regulations, eligibility, criteria and age restrictions.
Limited numbers of pilgrims, moving several feet apart, circle the cube-shaped Kaaba in the first rituals of the hajj, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia in 2020.
Saudi Arabia makes vaccination must and other criteria for Haj 2021
Announcing the schedule to this year’s pilgrimage, the Haj Committee of India said that it will take place under special circumstances with special norms, rules and regulations, eligibility, criteria and age restrictions.By Musafir Team ON MAR 03, 2021 06:00 PM IST
Saudi Arabia has made it clear that it will allow only those people to attend the haj this year who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
According to Saudi newspaper Okaz, vaccination is “one of the main conditions” to receive a permit to come.
In 2020, the kingdom dramatically reduced the number of Haj pilgrims to around 1,000 to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, after barring Muslims abroad from the rite for the first time in modern times.
The government of India too has released a list of protocols to be followed this year for the haj Travel based on the final guidelines release from Saudi Arabia.
Here are important things going for the haj this year from India:
Announcing the schedule to this year’s pilgrimage, the Haj Committee of India said that it will take place under special circumstances with special norms, rules and regulations, eligibility, criteria and age restrictions.
The age limit prescribed by the government is 18-65 years.
The pilgrims going the Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia have been asked to follow social distancing norms. Also, there are no provisions for the NRIs this year due to Covid-19.
In the prevailing condition, Saudi Arabia may allow haj aspirants having sound health without co-morbidities like heart condition, diabetics, respiratory disorders, pregnancies and other serious illness, the Haj Committee of India said.
The expenditure on Haj 2021 is expected to be relatively higher than during normal period. “Therefore, pilgrims who are financially sound enough to bear this extra expense should only apply,” it further said.
Any person not in possession of machine readable valid Indian international passport issued on or before 10th December, 2020 and valid at least upto 10th January, 2022 cannot apply, the guidelines said.
Haj repeater, an individual who has already performed the haj through Haj Committee of India due to “once in a lifetime” condition won’t be eligible. Such person, however, can go for the pilgrimage as a Mehram of a female pilgrim, if no other Mehram (who has not performed haj) is available, the committee said.
Where rich history, amazing architecture, and high spirituality lay
There are more to Makkah than Al Masjid Al Haram, for sure it can’t be compared to any other place in the world, However, there are many other mosques in Makkah with great historical and religious significance.
Let’s explore some of the most famous ones…
Mosques in Makkah – Al Bayah Mosque
The Mosque of Allegiance stands tall and witnesses the first pledge of allegiance in Islam when the Messenger pledged allegiance to only 12 people from Aws and Khazraj. It was built by the Abbasid Caliph Abu Jaafar Al Mansour in 144 AH, corresponding to 761 AD, to commemorate the place and it is one of the most important historical monuments in Makkah.
This mosque also witnessed the second pledge of allegiance to Aqaba, in which the number of supporters increased to 73. The mosque is 300 meters away from the Jamarat Bridge at the bottom of Mina Valley. It has an exposed roof, where all the prayers are held. The mosque preserves many of its original structural inscriptions.
Mosques in Makkah – Al Jarana Mosque (Hunayn Battle)
It is one of the most important historical sites in Makkah. It is located in the village of Al Jarana, It was built at the beginning of the 3rd century, However, its location was witness to one of the most important invasions in Islamic history. This is where Prophet Hazrat Mohammed Mustafa PBUH descended after his return from the Battle of Hunayn and divided the spoils of Hawazen, and that is why it was known as the Hunayn Battle Mosque.
Prophet Muhammad s.a.w started his Ihram from this Mosque on his 3rd Umrah, that’s why it is considered a Miqat for the people of Makkah. Throughout the years the mosque has witnessed many expansions up till today it is reported that its area is about 1000 square meters.
Mosques in Makkah – Al Hudaibiya Mosque
The monument was originally built with black stone and plaster, the new one is built next to it on Old Jeddah Road. Al Hudaybiyah region is named after the well and the tree where the companions’ allegiance to Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. This allegiance was later known as Bai’ah Ar-Ridhwan.
In the sixth year of the Hijra, the pledge of allegiance to Al Radwan took place under this tree, followed by the signing of peace between Prophet Muhammad s.a.w and the polytheists for 10 years.
Mosques in Makkah – Al Mash’ar Al Haram Mosque
A Mosque of great status and significance, it is located in Muzdalifa and it is where Prophet Muhammad s.a.w used for Qibla in his farewell Hajj. The mosque was a squared shaped mosque with a very modest structure and somehow small in size without a roof and with six doors.
During the ruling of Al Saud, the mosque was rebuilt and expanded to look the way it is now. A rectangular-shaped, for five million riyals, with an area of 5,040 square meters, a capacity of 12,000 worshipers, and a length of 90 meters (from east to west), and a width of 56 meters, and two lighthouses 32 meters tall located at the end of the mosque. It has three entrances on each of the eastern, northern, and southern sides, and beautiful pointed windows and balconies all around its roof.
Mosques in Makkah – Al Khaif Mosque
The Qibla for the Messengers of Allah, as 70 of Messengers prayed in it. Al Khaif Mosque is situated in Mina where pilgrims offer their prayers during their stay at Mina. It is 25,000 square meters in area and can accommodate 25,000 pilgrims.
