[UPDATED 17th March 2022]
On 5th March 2022, Saudi Arabia has further relaxed its Covid-19 restrictions! Apart from quarantine-free travel from Singapore to Saudi Arabia, they have also discontinued the need for fully vaccinated travellers to take a pre-departure PCR or antigen test on arrival. Face masks are also not required in outdoor places, and social-distancing measures have been relaxed. If you're planning to perform Umrah after the VTL is launched, here's a guide for you and a list of travel agents that can help your journey to the holy land ☺️
Check out our other Umrah and Hajj guides that may be useful for you!
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Things To Know To Perform Umrah & Hajj Under VTL
1. Must be fully vaccinated & notarise vaccination certificate
Needless to say, Covid-19 vaccination is a must for anyone who wishes to travel under VTL. Only fully vaccinated pilgrims are allowed to visit Masjidil Haram and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Pilgrims must receive two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, spent 14 days after the first dose or had recovered from any infections. The Saudi Arabia government only allow congregations where pilgrims have been administered COVID-19 vaccines approved and certified by the World Health Organisation (WHO). These COVID-19 vaccines include Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Sinovac and all of these vaccines are currently being used in Saudi Arabia. For those who are vaccinated with Sinovac, you need to have 3 doses completed instead of 2. Your vaccination certificate should also be notarised. Get your vaccination certificate here at Notarise and print a hard copy of the QR Code and certificate!2. PCR tests not required
As mentioned earlier, you'll no longer need to take a PCR test if you're travelling to Saudi Arabia. Wearing masks is also not required when you're outdoors, however, you must wear one if you're in enclosed places.3. Register via mobile app
The next umrah requirement requires pilgrims to register for an Umrah e-visa through the Eatamarna (available on iOS and Android) and Tawakkalna (available on iOS and Android) mobile apps. Both applications are available for Umrah organisers based in countries where congregations are allowed by the Saudi Arabia government. Congregations who wish to perform prayers or visit the mosque must register through the applications as well.4. Complete travel vaccine registration
All visitors travelling to Saudi Arabia are required to complete the travel vaccine registration prior to departure. Foreign visitors need to fill in the online form through this website.
Credit: @malik_writes77 on Instagram
