Last year, the Umrah was opened for only domestic pilgrims including Saudi residents. After that official news was announced by the Saudi government that they will receive requests to do Umrah from vaccinated foreign worshippers, beginning on August 9, 2021. But “Do you need the vaccine to perform Umrah” this year? Read this article carefully, it will facilitate you to search for the correct answer.
Saudi Arabia allows only vaccinated Umrah pilgrims
Saudi Arabia opened the door for foreigners to undertake Umrah in 2022 after a decline in coronavirus infections the previous year. The Saudi government will issue visas to only those pilgrims who are vaccinated. After their official announcement, Saudi authorities will receive requests in 2022 from only vaccinated foreigners.
Saudi authorities check every proof of vaccination at the airport. The visa is issued without requiring any medical certificate but it is the responsibility of the travel agent to warn the traveller at the time of booking the Umrah package.
Umrah 2022 vaccination requirements
The Saudi Ministry says that all pilgrims participating in Umrah this year must have a complete vaccination against COVID-19 approved by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The following is a list of the COVID-19 vaccines that Saudi Arabia has authorized:
- Oxford/AstraZeneca
- Pfizer/BioNTech
- Sinopharm
- Janssen
- Moderna
- Sinovac
- Covaxin
- Sputnik V
- Covovax
- Nuvaxovid
Other required vaccines:
It is advised that you take care of general vaccinations before travelling for Umrah or Hajj. There are also other vaccines required from those who have the risk of suffering from particular diseases. These are the following:
Yellow Fever
All passengers travelling from countries or regions where yellow fever is suspected must show a current yellow fever vaccination certificate. It will prove that they have been vaccinated at least 10 days before crossing the border. In the absence of such a certificate, the person shall be under strict surveillance for six days commencing from the earliest date of vaccination or the last day of exposure to possible infection.
Seasonal Flu (Influenza)
The Saudi Ministry of Health advises that they should obtain a seasonal influenza vaccination certificate before travelling to Saudi Arabia. Pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, and those with HIV/AIDS, asthma, and chronic heart or lung disease are particularly at risk of developing severe influenza illnesses. So, they should seriously think about Influenza vaccination.
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Polio
To apply for an entry visa to Saudi Arabia, visitors from polio-endemic and re-established countries must show proof of a polio vaccination certificate at least six weeks before departure.
Strict restrictions have recently been applied to travellers from endemic countries that are at risk of reimporting the poliovirus. All travellers under the age of 15 entering Saudi Arabia will also receive a dose of OPV at border crossings. Local control of polio is limited to some countries.
Additionally, you should receive any vaccines recommended for travel to Saudi Arabia. If you think you may need additional vaccines or boosters, you should schedule a travel health risk assessment at least 6 to 8 weeks before your trip.
Suggestions
Before travelling, you may benefit from having a general health checkup with your doctor or a specialist to ensure that you are in good health and that any existing medical conditions are stable. In addition, Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages involve walking many miles and can be strenuous, even for the healthiest person, so increase physical activity at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel. Improve your overall mobility and fitness.
Your respective tour operator acts as a doctor who knows every obstacle at every turn of the Umrah journey. His efforts help you to complete Umrah in peaceful conditions through Umrah packages.
