First phase of Umrah for citizens and residents in Kingdom starts today

Saudi Arabia starts the first phase of resuming Umrah today, Oct. 4, allowing 30% of total capacity, or 6,000 pilgrims per day from within the Kingdom, to perform the pilgrimage while ensuring all necessary health and safety precautions.

The entry of pilgrims and visitors is regulated through the “Eatmarna” application, launched by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, with the aim to enforce health standards and controls approved by the Ministry of Health and other competent authorities.

Last month, King Salman approved allowing pilgrims to perform Umrah in the Grand Mosque and visit the Rawdah in the Prophet’s Mosque while complying with preventive measures.

The second phase will begin on Oct. 18, 2020, under which 75% of the mosque’s full capacity, or 15,000 pilgrims from within the Kingdom per day, will be allowed to visit and perform Umrah.

Third phase will begin on Nov. 1, 2020, and it will allow pilgrims from inside and outside the Kingdom to perform Umrah at full capacity -- 20,000 pilgrims and 60,000 prayer performers per day.

During the fourth phase, Umrah and prayers will be allowed for citizens as well as residents inside and outside the Kingdom at the Two Holy Mosques at 100% capacity, when the competent authority decides that the risk of the coronavirus pandemic is over.

The announced phases will be subject to continuous evaluation, according to the developments of the COVID-19 pandemic.