MECCA – State media in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday that the kingdom will allow international pilgrims to perform Umrah from 10 August, as the kingdom reopens the Grand Mosque in Mecca following the Hajj pilgrimage last week.
Earlier this month, authorities restricted access to the mosque as part of precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, according to the state announcement, country’s such as India, Pakistan, Egypt, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Turkey, Lebanon and Indonesia require a 14 day quarantine in a third country before entering the kingdom.
President of the South African Travel Hajj & Umrah Operators Association (SATHUOA), Sedick Steenkamp spoke to Salaamedia’s Julie Allie on South Africans requirements and restrictions to perform Umrah.
“We do not know when [South Africa] will be listed but if you are willing to stay 14 days in another country before you enter the Kingdom then you will be able to perform Umrah,” said Steenkamp.
He added: “South Africans think we need to do more presentation and at SATHUAO we definitely have to see what we can to in order to lobby the government to assist us in this respect.”
The mandatory requirements for entering the UAE are being vaccinated against COVID-19 with complete doses of Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or J&J, over the age of 18 and have an accreditation from Saudi Arabia’s ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Listen to the full discussion here:
