No PCR Test and Rise in demand for Umrah

The Saudi Arabia’s assistant undersecretary of Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic affairs , Mohammad Nasser Al Mutairi stated that Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had decided to ease restrictions regarding Coronavirus towards Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mosque and Grand Kaaba Mosque.

Mr. Al Mutairi also stated that the Saudi ministry would continue to issue permits for Al Rawdah Al Sharifah, Holy Rostrum, and Urmah permits. Along with the recent no social distancing implementation required for visiting the Prophet mosque and Grand Mosque, Umrah pilgrims will also not need to provide negative PCR tests or provide recent approved Coronavirus antigen tests.

As a result of these recent decisions regarding abolishing precautionary measures by Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has increased the demand for flights headed towards Saudi Arabia comprising various national and Gulf airlines. The removal of various restrictions regarding immunization requirements has contributed to increased passenger flights headed to Madinah and Jeddah, resulting in a 30% demand increase, especially for Umrah pilgrimage.

According to official Saudi Arabia sources, more than 3500 residents and citizens have arrived in the city of Jeddah in the last few days.