TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Inside the Haramain, a subsidiary of Haramain Sharifain, which is a private entity reporting on Saudi Arabia’s two Holy Mosques, on July 25 reported that the Saudi Arabian government would reopen the umrah (minor hajj) pilgrimage for international pilgrims under a number of requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Haramain Sharifain official Twitter account tweeted the announcement of the resumption of the international umrah pilgrimage beginning 1st Muharram 1443 (August 9).

The Saudi government allows direct flights into the country except for nine countries: India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa and Lebanon.

Umrah pilgrims from the aforementioned countries are subjected to 14-day quarantine in a third country before arriving in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia also mandates pilgrims aged 18 and above to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with people receiving vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, Astrazeneca, and J&J, before entering the country.

Meanwhile, recipients of complete doses of China’s vaccines must be vaccinated with a booster shot from Pfizer, Moderna, Astrazeneca, and J&J. Saudi Arabia also requires umrah pilgrims to arrive via an accredited agency by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Read: Indoneasian 2021 Hajj Cancelled, Organizers Ask for Govt Incentives

HARAMAIN SHARIFAIN