As a Muslim, performing the Umrah pilgrimage is a spiritual obligation that requires proper planning and arrangements. Many people choose to perform Umrah before the Hajj pilgrimage as it allows them to complete the two rituals consecutively. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Saudi Arabian authorities have placed several restrictions on the performance of Umrah and Hajj. Therefore, it is essential to stay updated on the latest regulations to plan your Umrah pilgrimage.
If you are planning to perform Umrah before the Hajj 2023, you must know the latest regulations and restrictions imposed by the Saudi Arabian authorities. One of the crucial steps in planning your Umrah pilgrimage is selecting the best Umrah travel agency. In this blog, we will discuss the latest regulations regarding the performance of Umrah and when it stops before the Hajj 2023, and we will also provide tips for choosing the best Umrah travel agency.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost every aspect of life, including religious pilgrimages. The Saudi Arabian government has placed several restrictions on the performance of Umrah to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. As of February 2023, the following regulations apply to Umrah pilgrims:
Vaccination: All Umrah pilgrims are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling to Saudi Arabia. You must provide proof of your vaccination status before applying for an Umrah visa.
Age limit: As of February 2023, the Saudi Arabian authorities have set an age limit for Umrah pilgrims. Pilgrims between the ages of 18 and 60 are allowed to perform Umrah.
Capacity limit: The Saudi Arabian authorities have set a capacity limit for the number of pilgrims allowed to perform Umrah. The limit is subject to change depending on the COVID-19 situation in the country.
Quarantine: Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, all Umrah pilgrims are required to undergo a mandatory quarantine period of three days. Pilgrims must undergo a COVID-19 test before and after the quarantine period.
The Hajj pilgrimage takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. The exact dates for the Hajj pilgrimage are determined by the sighting of the moon. In 2023, the Hajj pilgrimage is expected to take place in July. As for the Umrah pilgrimage, it is not allowed during the Hajj season. The Umrah season typically begins after the Hajj pilgrimage and lasts until the start of Ramadan.
Therefore, if you plan to perform Umrah before the Hajj 2023, you must complete your pilgrimage before the start of the Hajj season. The exact date of the start of the Hajj season in 2023 is yet to be announced. However, it is expected to be around the end of June or the beginning of July.
Choosing the best Umrah travel agency is crucial for a hassle-free and comfortable pilgrimage. Here are some tips to help you select the best Umrah travel agency. Before selecting an Umrah travel agency, do your research. Check online reviews and ratings of different agencies to ensure that they are reliable and trustworthy.
Packages: Look for an Umrah travel agency that offers packages that suit your budget and requirements. Make sure that the packages include all necessary services, such as transportation, accommodation, and visa processing. If you want to go from the UK, then Qibla Travels is the best umrah travel agency providing the cheapest umrah packages. Choose an Umrah travel agency that has experience in organizing Umrah pilgrimages. An experienced agency can provide you with valuable insights and tips to make your pilgrimage more comfortable and enjoyable.