Tourist, visit visa holders allowed to perform Umrah

30 websites, digital platforms available to book packages

Muslims in Saudi Arabia on a visit or a tourist visa can perform Umrah after obtaining a permit by completing procedures on Eatmarna and Tawakkalna apps, state media said.

The Ministry of Haj and Umrah said vaccinated expats coming to the Kingdom on tourist or visit visa can obtain Umrah permit by registering on Eatmarna app. Opening an account on Eatmarna is possible only after updating the visitor’s immune health status on the Tawakkalna app.

Vaccination mandatory

“Only those who are immune by taking two doses of coronavirus vaccine or completion of 14 days after taking the first dose of the vaccine. Also, those recovered from the coronavirus infection are entitled to obtain an Umrah permit,” the ministry said.

Around 500 Umrah service companies and more than 6,000 foreign Umrah agents have started receiving vaccinated foreign Umrah pilgrims from August 9.

Pilgrims can book Umrah packages and make all the payments through 30 electronic sites and digital platforms that are available for reservations worldwide.

The ministry recently unveiled plans to launch a new mechanism to issue single Umrah visas online.