Al-Qalam 
Muslim travel operators are worried that tough new rules for Umrah pilgrims may force many SA travelers to think twice before they embark on their journey, writes an Al Qalam Reporter.
Good news is that Umrah travel is now officially open for South Africans from this Sunday (Nov 1) but the bad news is that they would have to quarantine for three days in their hotel rooms before stepping out.
And on top of that, there’s a stringing list of rules laid down, including “pre- booking of all salah for the Haramain on a mobile application as well as a date and time for the performance of Umrah.”
“It’s worrying. We still don’t know whether local people would still want to travel under these stringing rules and regulations – although we completely understand the Saudi Government’s need to protect pilgrims from the spread of corona virus,” said Ismail Olla, Secretary General of the South African Muslim Travel Operators Association (SAMTOA).
However, Olla pointed out to Al-Qalam that those determined to perform Umrah will not be hindered by the myriad rules and regulations in their path.
He said SAMTOA accredited agents are currently finalizing contracts to ensure that all arrangements are in place for intending pilgrims to travel.
Umrah travelers of all foreign countries must adhere to the following rules and regulations governing Umrah travelers.
1) Travel agents and tour operators are obliged to contract with a local Saudi Umrah Operator to apply for an Umrah Visa and other services.
2) Only persons between the
ages of 18 and 50-years-old will be allowed to enter the Kingdom to perform
Umrah.
3) All passengers entering KSA must hold a PCR-COVID negative test not older
than 72 hours upon arrival.
4) Pilgrims must quarantine for three days in a hotel including breakfast, lunch & supper.
5) Only two persons per room
will be accommodated.
6) Only 50 persons per group will be allowed and must always be accompanied by
a guide of the Umrah Company. No individual travel is permitted.
7) All transfers must occur between points i.e. airport to hotel, Madinah to Makkah & vice versa.
8) All pilgrims must have
comprehensive travel insurance.
9) Pre-booking of all salah for the Haramain must be made on a mobile
application as well as a date and time for the performance of Umrah.
10) All pilgrims must hold confirmed reservations and return air tickets.
11) Social distancing protocols, including the wearing of masks and hand sanitizing is mandatory.
Asked, how SA umrah travelers would react to having to book salah times for the Haramain, Olla said: “This again is another challenge. Imagine being allowed into Makkah and Madinah but not allowed to freely enter the Haram. Who would have ever imagined that this would be a reality?”
