Required Covid Vaccination
Pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia must provide evidence of a full course of the vaccines currently recognized:
Booster dose is needed if the 2nd dose is taken more than 8 months from the departure date.
Travelers who have completed two doses of the Sinopharm or Sinovac vaccines will be accepted on the condition that they have received an additional dose of Pfizer or Moderna. The proof of vaccination must be in digital and notarized form and to be submitted prior to departure, refer: https://www.notarise.gov.sg
COVID-19 Tests (As of 18th May 2022)
COVID-19 Tests are no longer a requirement for entry to Saudi Arabia & Singapore.
The tests will be subjected to changes by the Singapore & Saudi Arabia Government
Tourist Visa Application
There is more flexibility in the booking of accommodation and ground services in the application of tourist visas. Nonetheless unlike umrah visa application where the booking of 1 slot for umrah is secured by the Saudi operators, tourist visa pilgrims need to secure the above on their own or assisted by the travel agents.
Use of smart phone and applications in Saudi Arabia for umrah pilgrims
Due to safe-distancing measures and need to book for the performance of umrah and daily prayers in Makkah and Madinah, 2 smartphone apps are required – Tawakkalna and Eatmarna. These apps should be downloaded in Singapore prior to departure. Hence the use of smartphone is required for all pilgrims.
In addition, pilgrims need to purchase Saudi-based SIM card in Saudi Arabia to use these apps.
Limitations to Rawdah and Maqam in Madinah and performance of Umrah in Makkah
Pilgrims must acknowledge that due to safe distancing measures and to prevent overcrowding, there are limitations imposed for entrance to Rawdah, ziarah Maqam and performance of umrah. Slots for entrance to Rawdah cannot be guaranteed especially if dates coincide with Saudi Arabia’s public holiday or peak travel season.
Haramain High Speed Train
High Speed Train is subjected to seat availability. Reservations of train tickets are only open 2 weeks prior to departure to Saudi Arabia. Seats may be unavailable if dates coincide with Saudi Arabia public holiday or peak travel season. Alternative arrangements will be made if unable to secure a seat.
Medical and Travel Insurance
Although all umrah pilgrims are provided mandatory medical insurance for emergency medical treatment and hospitalization as well as treatment and hospitalization of Covid infected patients, this cover does not include outpatient treatment at private medical facilities and travel inconveniences.
Pilgrims are strongly advised to have adequate travel insurance to cover for outpatient treatment, travel inconveniences and cancellation, especially arising from positive PCR tests prior to departure.
SG Arrival Card/Electronic Health Declaration
Within 72 hours or 3 days before arrival in Singapore, pilgrims need to submit via online their health and travel history. Information required include the address of accommodation where the SHN would be served.
Refer: https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/
Vaccinated Travel Framework (VTF)
As announced by the Government, Singapore has opened its borders to travelers around the world. Pilgrims are no longer required to undergo SHN and Covid-19 testing upon arrival in Singapore.
Umrah during the Current Pandemic
The Covid pandemic is ever changing, requirements may change at short notice. Given this fact, it is in the pilgrims’ interests to evaluate and consider if one is suited and ready to travel for umrah at this point of time.