Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that children under the age of seven will now be allowed to enter the Two Holy Mosques if they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Despite the fact that children under the age of seven are permitted to enter the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, the Ministry advised that anyone wishing to perform Umrah within Saudi Arabia must first obtain a permit from the “Tawakkalna” or “Eatmarna” apps.
On the apps, their health status must be “immune,” and their data must be updated using the “Absher” system.
On the apps, their health status must be “immune,” and their data must be updated using the “Absher” system.
The decision comes as the Kingdom continues to immunize children aged five to eleven.
Pilgrims performing the Umrah must follow certain rules.
During COVID-19 in early February, the Ministry also laid out the rules for performing Umrah.
All Umrah pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia must present a negative antigen or PCR test result obtained within 48 hours of their departure time. Regardless of their “immune” status, this is a mandatory requirement.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Umrah and Hajj have been influenced, with the Kingdom limiting Hajj pilgrims to just 60,000 residents and nationals last year.
