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Requirements To Consider Before Booking Umrah Packages From Canada
Umrah pilgrimage is open for visitors at any time of the year. It is different from Hajj because it is not mandatory. But, it holds a sacred place in Islam and allows Muslims to seek forgiveness, refresh their faith, pray for their needs, and cleanse their sins. Umrah can get completed within two hours, and unlike Hajj, it is accessible all year. Thus, Muslims from any part of the world can apply for Umrah packages and get a quick spiritual fix.
Although Covid-19 impacted the pilgrim visits and visas to the site got banned, the ban got lifted after the situation improved. However, there were specific requirements immediately after the lift, which were necessary to adhere to by the visitors. As for 2022, visitors must consider the following factors before booking their Umrah packages from Canada.
- Testing Needs
Pilgrims from a foreign location can now enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah without providing negative PCR or rapid antigen test before departing the Kingdom. However, the ones with visitor visas must possess medical insurance to cover Covid 19-related expenses for the treatment during the stay.
- Vaccination Needs
Although Saudi Arabia has eliminated Covid 19-related restrictions, the Umrah pilgrims must carry their vaccination proof to present upon arrival at the Kingdom. The list of approved vaccines includes Janssen, Pfizer/ BioNTech, Moderna, and Oxford/ AstraZeneca. However, people who have gotten any other vaccine than the ones mentioned here might need to quarantine mandatorily per the regulations.
However, covid vaccines aren’t the only requirement for Umrah packages from Canada. The foreign travellers must also provide proof of the following vaccines upon arriving in Saudi Arabia:
- Yellow Fever Vaccine: A person coming from areas where Yellow fever is prevalent must possess a valid vaccination certificate against the disease. It should show that the person received the vaccine at least ten days before and no more than ten years before arriving here.
- Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine: Visitors must receive the meningitis vaccine minimum of ten days or not more than three years before reaching Saudi Arabia.
- Polio Vaccine: Polio-endemic countries or re-established transmission country visitors must have received one dose of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) at least six weeks before reaching Saudi Arabia. They will also receive one dose after arriving at their destination.
- Seasonal Flu Shot: The Health Ministry of Saudi Arabia recommends pilgrims receive a seasonal flu shot before arriving in the Kingdom. They highly recommend it for pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
- Vaccine Registration For Umrah
A pilgrim’s vaccine status first requires registration at the muqeem portal in Saudi Arabia at least 72 hours before departing. The official health authorities of the travellers’ origin country must attest to the vaccination certificates. Original certificates are necessary to carry, and the necessary information will get verified before boarding and at the entry points. Failing to adhere to the rules can lead to an entry ban and other legal consequences.
- Quarantine Needs
Fully vaccinated foreign pilgrims (from the approved list of vaccine shots) need not quarantine, per Saudi Arabia’s latest Umrah entry requirements. Travellers obtaining Sinopharm, Sinovac, and Covaxin vaccines have to undergo institutional quarantine for three days. Their Umrah packages require submitting a PCR test certificate after 48 hours from the date of institutional quarantine.
- Social Distancing And Mask Needs
The authorities handling Hajj and Umrah visits have removed the social distancing measures and requirements in the Grand Holy Mosque, the Prophet’s Holy Mosque, etc. Also, mask-wearing isn’t necessary outdoors but is a must to wear inside mosques and other facilities.
- Age Limit For Umrah 2022
No age limit exists for pilgrims to pray at the Two Holy Mosques. However, the Ministry permits performing Umrah and praying at Al-Rawadha Sharifa to five years or older children only. It helps in organizing pilgrims per the absorptive capacity.
- Permission To Female Pilgrims
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia recently permitted women of age 18 to 65 years to perform Umrah without a male guardian or “mahram.” However, the condition is that they cannot visit alone and should be a part of a group. Moreover, they must receive at least partial vaccination (one dose) and should be disease-free.
Finishing Up
Umrah allows Muslims to connect to their spirit guide and lead to holy waters. With the Covid 19 restrictions relaxing considerably, the interested parties can book Umrah packages from Canada without the hassle and within their budgets. Choosing a package allows you to stay tension-free on your trip and focus on connecting with Allah. The packages will include visas, airfares, hotel accommodations, transportation, etc. Some packages may also include one or two-time meals.
Umrah is sacred to Islam, and every Muslim must visit the place at least once in their life. No matter the circumstances, this blissful place can turn your life.