The two holiest places, Haram Sharif and Prophet’s Mosque have been opened by the Saudi Government and people are allowed for Umrah since October 4. The first batch of Umrah has successfully performed Umrah and there was not a single case of corona virus in a batch of 6,000 and that is very fortunate.

After a 7 month covid-19 pause, the opening of Mecca and Medina is a hope for the world to resume international Hajj and Umrah sooner. Many Muslim families are looking forward and hopeful for December Umrah but the real question lies here and that is, When will the travel ban to Saudi Arabia be lifted?

Updates for Lifting the international Travel Ban:

Last month news came upon international media that the ban has been lifted to travel to Saudi Arabia but that was partially right. The travel ban for emergencies and diplomatic moves were lifted.

There are clues that the Saudi Government is thinking to lift the ban in phases. As the first batch of Umrah was about 6000 people. Next would be for 15,000 people to perform Umrah and prayers in Haram and Prophet Mosque. And gradually the number will increase. That means the govt is also interested to let outsiders come and perform pilgrimage in the holiest places.

TRT reports that there is a possibility of opening the international pilgrims to come to Saudi Arabis and perform Umran in November. That will be after the successful completion of Umrah for the batch of 40,000 locals in Haram. People can think to book their family Umrah or group Umrah because there is a possibility that in November, the ban will be lifted.

How different would this Umrah be than before?

This Umrah is going to be different because the world is still scared of the novel virus that can spread anytime anywhere because of the human connections. By the instructions of the Saudi Government, the people now want to perform Umrah have to inform their every activity in Saudi Arabia for safety purposes. You will fill a form online and that is about your timetable in Saudi Arabia. Your activities and their time will be scheduled by the authorities to make sure that the people visiting Saudi Arabia are following SOPs given by the government. The timing of your entering and performing Umrah is important to know for the authorities to avoid a rush.

Your all the information will be gathered and the authorities will make your plan to give you safety. Every international pilgrim will go through this phase. You are bound to take care of you and the people around you, so consider all the precautionary measures the government and travel company guiding you for.

What about the second wave of COVID-19?

The second wave of corona virus is likely to hit many countries in the world. Some countries are in the mid of suffering covid-19 and some are at the start. It is said that the second wave will be the dangerous wave of corona virus and would affect more people than before. For information, 1.2 million people have died in the world in the first wave of corona virus.

Many European counties that lifted the ban for international travel are now thinking to close everything in the rise of corona virus. In the first wave, the United States of America has suffered a lot, lost so many lives because of corona-virus, and is fighting with the worst circumstances corona virus has left for the people of America.

There is no certain period to hope for the vaccine to be discovered so for the families, it is not suited to hangout and go anywhere they want. The covid spread is supposed to increase in the processions and large gatherings. If you think that the Saudi Government is making the right arrangements for you, you should go. But if the second wave of corona virus is rising and will cover almost all the world once again. You should avoid going to public places where so many people are ready to transfer a virus to you. Umrah is another case. If the government is ready to give you a proper Umrah opportunity with all SOPs and precautions followed, why you will miss the opportunity?

Do’s and Don’ts in Saudi Arabia During Umrah:

With all the traditional packing things, this time you need to add the pairs of gloves, masks, hand washes and sanitizers. These things will help you to avoid getting the virus easily. Stay in a room that should be disinfected twice a day. You should avoid public transport and use the designated car from the travel company. Keep the corona virus test reports with you along with your identity card, visa, passport, and your hotel bookings along with you.

Happy to see you going on a very sacred journey and wishing you good health.