Saudi Arabian authorities on Monday said only people immunised against COVID-19 will be allowed to perform the year-round umrah pilgrimage from the start of Ramadan.
The hajj and umrah ministry said in a statement that three categories of people would be considered “immunised” – those who have received two doses of the vaccine, those administered a single dose at least 14 days prior, and people who have recovered from the infection.
Only those people will be eligible for permits to perform umrah, as well as to attend prayers in the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca.
The statement said the policy would effectively “raise the operational capacity” of the Grand Mosque during Ramadan.
It also said the condition also applies for entry into the Prophet’s Mosque in the holy city of Medina.
