Saudi Arabia Allows All Airlines to Bring Umrah Pilgrims

The Saudi authorities have allowed all airlines operating within the kingdom to fly in Umrah pilgrims with valid visas. Earlier, all its religious tourism had been suspended due to the coronavirus.

The new directive means that all airlines permitted to operate flights to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) can now fully resume their operations. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued a notification to this effect on Thursday.

GACA has instructed airlines to strictly follow the COVID-19 protocols which extend to all sorts of travelers flying into the kingdom. Relevant rules and regulations have also been made mandatory for Umrah pilgrims, including those entering the country on visit visas.


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Since the suspension of Umrah and all other religious tourism, this is the first time that international airlines are being allowed to land in KSA.

KSA began receiving foreign Umrah pilgrims from 1 November, 2020 as part of Phase Three of its Umrah pilgrimage resumption. However, previously, only most of the Gulf airlines were allowed to fly in visitors.


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In-coming travelers will be quarantined for three days in their hotel rooms. Single tourists/pilgrims are prohibited, and foreigners will be divided into groups of fifty. Each group will be given a designated guide to supervize their pilgrimage and traveling.

A barricade has been placed around the Kaaba and the Holy Black Stone, and pilgrims will not be allowed to get close to them. Moreover, foreign pilgrims will have to book their prayers at the Two Holy Mosques in advance.

Furthermore, the Grand Mosque of Mecca will be disinfected 10 times a day, and pilgrims showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be quarantined.



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