By Mohammad Jibran Khan
As of 3rd February 2022, the following rules and regulations are being mandated in the Two Holy Mosques:
1. Mandatory Requirement to be ‘Immune’ to be able to enter the Two Holy Mosques and obtain permits
Immune Status on the Health Application Tawakalana is a mandatory requirement to enter Masjid Al Nabawi and be able to obtain permits for Umrah, Prayers in Masjid Al Haram and Rawdah Al Shareefah and Ziyarah.
2. People of Ages 12 and above are allowed to visit the Two Holy Mosques
Immune People from ages 12 and above are allowed to visit the Two Holy Mosques from Saudi Arabia and around the world. Children under the ages of 12 whether immune or not are at this time not allowed to enter the Two Holy Mosques or its courtyards.
3. One Umrah every 10 days
Due to the reapplication of precautionary measures by the Ministry of Interior, to limit crowds there is a restriction to perform one Umrah every 10 days
4. Mandatory Requirement to wear a Mask and Physically Distance
Due to the reapplication of precautionary measures by the Ministry of Interior, it is a mandatory requirement to wear a mask at all times in the Two Holy Mosques, physically distance during prayers and to one’s ability to socially distance at all times.
Read Also: The Sunnah of combating stress, worries and grief
5. Adherence to Time allotted in Permits
It is a requirement to arrive and leave the Two Holy Mosques as per the time allotted in the permits issued, the Two Holy Mosques close one hour after Isha prayers and reopen one hour before Fajr Prayers for visitors
6. Mataaf is restricted to Umrah Pilgrims only
At this time entry to Mataaf is only allowed for Pilgrims carrying a valid Umrah Permit and for the purpose of Tawaaf only.
7. Restriction to touch the Ka’bah, Black Stone and Prayers in Hateem
At this time, there is a restriction in place to touch the Ka’bah, Black Stone and Prayers in the Hateem as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19.
