umrah guidelines for pilgrims visiting uae

The UAE authorities have released instructions for pilgrims preparing to perform the Umrah. Both UAE residents and people traveling to Saudi Arabia will have to follow these safe travel and pilgrimage guidelines in the wake of the pandemic and its subsequent precautions and restrictions. UAE residents are required to obtain an Umrah visa provided by the Saudi Arabian Embassy in the UAE. If you're planning to do Umrah this year, here's all the information and Umrah guidelines for Pilgrims visiting UAE.

WHAT IS UMRAH

Umrah, a shorter version of the annual Hajj meeting, is the name given to a pilgrimage to Mecca. In Arabic, the term "Umrah" means "visiting a populated area"

Umrah provides Muslims with a chance to refresh their faith, seek forgiveness, and pray for their needs. It is believed that one who conducts it is cleansed of their sins.

UMRAH STARTING DATE

Umrah is starting from 1st November 2020.

AGE GROUP ALLOWED TO PERFORM UMRAH

 Pilgrims who are between the age of 18-50 are permitted to do Umrah which, is specified by Saudi Arabian Authorities.

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PCR TEST IS REQUIRED

A negative PCR test should be taken in less than 72 hours before departure from the UAE and, pilgrims must carry it with them to the journey.

NECESSARY QUARANTINE

For a three-day quarantine period, you can book a package with your agent at the hotel with full-board. They will also arrange your transportation to take you from the airport to your hotel and then to Makkah and Medina. The pilgrims must get quarantined for three days.

NO CANCELLATION OR CHANGING OF DATES

 Since the application is submitted online so you can not cancel or change your booking for the Umrah package on short notice to make sure that every booking is correct and appropriate. It is also because your agent will have to type your name into an app twenty-four hours before you leave. Things are stricter due to the pandemic.

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SLOTS FOR MASJID AL NABAWI AND AL HARAM

For all pilgrims who wish to perform Umrah, online booking is mandatory. The reservation should be made on the 'Eatmarna' application which is released in Saudi Arabia by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.  Before you arrive in Saudi Arabia, the Tawakkalna app should also be downloaded. Your agent can take care of this.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR UMRAH VISA

• Valid and Clear Passport (Validity should be of 6 months and, UAE Residence Visas' Validity should of 3 months.)
• Two Passport Size Photographs with a white background.
• Copy of Emirates ID Card.
• No Objection Certificate Letter (in English or Arabic) from the Company.
• Finger Print from VFS Tasheel

Note: Visa Processing time takes approximately 2-3 Days.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Can Women do Umrah Alone?

Women, like men, can undertake Umrah, but there are some rules about their Umrah journey. Without Mahram, they can't go on a holy pilgrimage and perform Umrah. A mahram is a male relative bound to a woman by blood, breastfeeding, or relationships after marriage, according to Islamic law. To accompany a woman to Umrah as a Mahram, a person needs to be above the age of puberty.

Q. Can UAE visit visa holder perform Umrah?

Muslims traveling with an E-Visa to Saudi Arabia can now perform Umrah outside the Hajj season only.

Q. What are the Umrah Rules?

A pilgrim must be in an Ihraam state, which is derived from the Arabic word Harama, meaning forbidden. The naming represents the idea that pilgrims need to reach a spiritual state of almost human perfection during Umrah (and Hajj). No quarreling, swearing, or bad language may occur. Even the killing of an insect can breach the state of Ihraam and nullify Umrah - no animal can be harmed.

Q. When is Umrah 2020?

It is starting on 1 November 2020.

The above-mentioned information is the Covid-19 Umrah Guidelines for Pilgrims Visiting UAE issued by the authorities of the UAE.

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