Umrah Packages 2022: Everything You Need to Know About This Year’s Pilgrimage

 The Hajj trip is well known as one of the five pillars of Islam. Millions of Muslims flock to Makkah from around the globe before the Hajj to see the Great Mosque of Makkah (Masjid al-Haram) and engage in different devotional activities.

But in addition to this Ibda (the act of devotion), Muslims are also required to travel to the Holy City and perform a number of rites during the Umrah, commonly known as the "minor Hajj."

Following the successful Hajj season of last year, Saudi nationals, expatriate residents, and foreign pilgrims have been permitted to do Umrah. What about Umrah packages 2022? Will the Saudi government impose more limitations and regulations?

When is Umrah 2022? 

The smaller Hajj can effectively be conducted at any time of the year, with the exception of the Hajj season, even though it is desirable to undertake Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan.

However, the Saudi Arabian government's laws and guidelines must be followed when completing Umrah.

Umrah 2022 news

According to a statement released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, overseas Umrah pilgrims no longer need to present a negative PCR or quick antigen test result in order to enter Saudi Arabia. The decision was made as a result of a decrease in COVID cases in the Kingdom that coincided with the beginning of the new Umrah season on August 3, 2022. It's crucial to remember that getting health insurance to pay for COVID-19 treatment fees is still necessary. The dismantling of barricades encircling the Holy Kaaba for the first time in two years also signifies a relaxation of COVID-related restrictions inside the Kingdom. The Saudi authorities advise all pilgrims to follow the current health precautions and regulations despite the fact that the walls have been removed, allowing pilgrims to approach the Holy Kaaba.

Please see our dedicated page below to learn how to apply for an Umrah visa from your country of residency.

Umrah requirements 2022

According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the most recent Umrah criteria are listed below.

Umrah testing requirements

Now, no foreign pilgrim is required to present a negative PCR or fast antigen test result before travelling to the Kingdom in order to do Umrah in Saudi Arabia. All visitors coming on visit visas are required to have health insurance to cover any COVID-19-related medical expenses incurred while they are abroad.

 Umrah vaccine requirements 

While the majority of COVID-19-related restrictions have been eliminated in Saudi Arabia, travellers who want to perform the Umrah must provide confirmation of vaccination before they enter the country. 

The approved vaccines are:

• Moderna

• Pfizer/BioNTech

• Janssen

• Oxford/AstraZeneca

Quarantine may be required for Umrah visa holders who had vaccinations other than those listed above.

Before travelling to Saudi Arabia, international pilgrims must be aware of additional vaccination requirements in addition to the COVID vaccine:

Yellow Fever vaccine: All foreign pilgrims coming from regions or nations at risk for yellow fever must provide a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate proving they received the shot no more than 10 years before their arrival and no less than 10 days prior. 

Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine: A minimum of ten days and a maximum of three years before their arrival in Saudi Arabia, all international pilgrims are required to have a meningitis vaccination.

Polio vaccine: Before travelling to Saudi Arabia, all foreign pilgrims from polio-endemic nations and those with re-established transmission must obtain at least one dose of the oral polio vaccine (OPV). They will receive one additional dose of OPV at the time of their arrival and will be required to provide their immunization record.

Seasonal Flu Shot: The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health advises that all international pilgrims receive a seasonal influenza shot before travelling there. Before travelling, it is strongly advised that pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone with underlying medical concerns receive the seasonal flu shot. 

Umrah vaccine registration 

An individual’s vaccination status will first need to be registered on Saudi Arabia’s muqeem portal, at least 72 hours before departure to the Kingdom.

 The official health authorities from the country of the traveller's origin are required to certify the immunization records. This might be the Ministry of Health or another recognized health organization. Travelling into or out of the Kingdom requires carrying the original certificate.

Prior to boarding and at the entrance points, all information will be checked. Entry will be denied and other legal repercussions will follow failure to adhere to these conditions.

Umrah quarantine requirements 

All international pilgrims who have completed their vaccinations with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Janssen will not need to be quarantined in accordance with the most recent Umrah admission regulations established by Saudi Arabia.

If you've had one dose of any of the following vaccines:

• Sinopharm

• Sinovac

• Covaxin

They will be placed under institutional quarantine for three days, and after 48 hours from the date of institutional quarantine, they must provide a PCR test certificate.

Social distancing and mask-wearing

The social segregation policies in the Grand Holy Mosque, the Holy Mosque of the Prophet, and all other mosques have been relaxed by the Hajj and Umrah authorities. Be aware that while wearing a mask is not necessary outside of mosques and other enclosed spaces, it is.

What type of visa is needed for Umrah?

To begin their holy pilgrimage, foreign pilgrims can apply for either an Umrah visa or an Umrah e-visa.

Umrah visa 

As per the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims are recommended to contact an authorized tourist firm or agency in their country of residency to get the service package, fulfil the visa procedures, and schedule an appointment for Umrah and prayer at the Ar-Rawdhah Ash-Shareefah.

The alternative is for pilgrims to plan their Umrah journey independently using any of the authorized platforms mentioned above. 

Visit visa for Umrah in 24 hours 

Those who wish to perform the umrah outside of Saudi Arabia can request an individual umrah visa, which can take up to 24 hours to be issued.

The location of the visa application centre for prospective pilgrims has not yet been made public. When new information becomes available, we will keep you informed.

Can I perform Umrah using a tourist visa?

You can, indeed. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will now let tourists with Saudi tourist visas do Umrah, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Citizens of 49 nations who are qualified to apply for the Saudi electronic visa may now conduct Umrah in the Kingdom by obtaining their visas either in advance of travel at airports or online at Visit Saudi Arabia.

Holders of US, UK, and Schengen visas are among the nationals who are eligible to apply for the Umrah visa using tourist visas, according to the Ministry. Such candidates' visas must be current and include an entrance stamp from the issuing nation.

Without the requirement for an application in advance, the method enables qualified applicants to get a 12-month tourist visa upon arrival at one of the Saudi airports. Visa holders are then free to travel to any towns and areas within the Kingdom.

Additionally, those with family visit visas of various countries may conduct Umrah by scheduling a visit using the Eatmarna application through their relatives while visiting the Kingdom and by submitting an application through the National Unified Visa Platform.

Travellers must have adequate health insurance in order to do Umrah. This insurance must pay for treatment for the Covid-19 infection, accidents that result in death or disability, fees associated with airline delays or cancellations, and other issues.

A return ticket, bank statement demonstrating financial stability, itinerary, and comprehensive personal information are a few of the other documents needed.

Alternatively, visitors from countries who are not currently eligible but desire to conduct Umrah should apply for visas through the Kingdom's embassies in those states.

After the Hajj season has passed, completing Umrah on a tourist visa does have its benefits, including a longer stay duration, the ability to make repeated entries, and the option to select your own accommodation for Umrah.

Here are our top recommendations for hotels in Madinah and Makkah that you may reserve to assure comfortable lodging:

Makkah Tower Hotel

The Makkah Tower Hotel, located in the centre of Makkah and overlooking the Masjid al-Haram, provides a variety of superb rooms and suites in a great setting. Enjoy a variety of luxurious features, such as first-rate cuisine and magnificent views from the panoramic glass elevators

Rating: 5*

Distance to Masjid al-Haram: less than 1 kilometer/1-minute walk

Pullman ZamZam Makkah

A renowned 5-star hotel that frequently extends Hijazi hospitality to Umrah and Hajj travellers is the Pullman ZamZam Makkah. The hotel offers pilgrims a partial view of the Masjid Al Haram and the Kaaba, both of which never fail to inspire. There are amenities for the disabled as well as a fantastic in-room dining experience with foreign and oriental specialties.

Rating: 5*

Distance to Masjid al-Haram: less than 1 kilometer/1-minute walk

Conrad Makkah

The hotel's near proximity to both the Kaaba and the Masjid al-Haram will undoubtedly be useful to Umrah pilgrims. Conrad Makkah offers a blend of modern and conventional Islamic architecture, a number of restaurants providing both Arabic and other cuisines, a fitness centre, and well-lit conference rooms.

 

Rating: 5*

Distance to Masjid al-Haram: less than 1 kilometer/3-minute walk

Hilton Suites Makkah

The Holy Mosque, the Kaaba, and other significant religious sites are all nearby the Hilton Suites Makkah, which is located in the city's centre. In addition to having convenient access to the Umrah sites, guests may also enjoy Jabal Omar mall's culinary and shopping options. A prayer room at Hilton Suites has a view of the Grand Mosque as well.

 

Rating: 5*

Distance to Masjid al-Haram: less than 1 kilometer/1-minute walk

 

Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah

The Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah, located in the centre of Makkah's holy city, provides guests and pilgrims with a distinctive hospitality experience by fusing convenience and comfort with a refined ambiance. The Masjid al-Haram can be reached from the hotel in only one minute. The hotel is also easily reachable by car, providing convenient access to and from King Abdulaziz International Airport as well as Jeddah, the region's metropolitan hub and largest port city.

Rating: 5*

Distance to Masjid al-Haram: less than 1 kilometer/2-minute walk

Umrah permit 

While permits are no longer required to enter the Grand Mosque, Umrah travellers still need them in order to do their Umrah and offer prayers in the Holy Rawdah, the room where the Prophet Mohammed is interred.

 

Umrah permit through Eatmarna and Tawakkalna

Permits may be issued by any pilgrim using the Tawakkalna or Eatmarna apps. Additionally, based on the volume of people and the time of day, pilgrims can choose the best time to do Umrah.

You need to be one of the following to be regarded as immune:

• completely immunized with a vaccination that the Kingdom has approved, or;

• immunized in full with a vaccination that the WHO has authorized but that the Kingdom has not endorsed, and vaccinated again with a vaccine that the Kingdom has approved.

Please be aware that the Umrah permission would be terminated right away if:

• The person has a COVID-19 infection.

• The person had interacted with an infected person.

• Six hours before the booking date for Umrah, the visa holder does not enter Saudi Arabia.