Saudi Arabia imposes restrictions on pilgrims during Ramadan

Saudi Arabia has announced restrictions on performing umrah more than once during Ramadan to help manage crowds at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. The ministry's initiative also aims to reduce congestion, ensure equal access to the umrah for all, and effectively manage crowds during peak periods.

To ensure compliance with this policy, the Saudi government's e-portal for Umrah procedures, the Nusuk platform, will display an error message for users who try to obtain permission to perform Umrah again. The message explains that performing the small pilgrimage more than once during Ramadan is prohibited to allow others to participate in it, the Times Travel website writes.

During Ramadan, Muslims from Saudi Arabia and beyond flock to the Grand Mosque to perform Umrah and pray. To cope with the expected influx of visitors, the Saudi authorities have introduced various measures to ensure a smooth and comfortable stay for the faithful. Separate areas in the mosque, such as the bypass courtyard and the ground floor, have been designated for pilgrims performing Umrah. In addition, certain gates of the mosque are designed to allow pilgrims to enter and exit to prevent overcrowding.

Recently, Saudi Arabia has introduced a number of facilities for foreign Muslims wishing to perform Umrah in the country. Individuals holding various types of entry visas, including personal, visitor and tourist visas, are allowed to perform Umrah and visit Al-Rawda Al-Sharifa, the site of the Prophet Muhammad's tomb at the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, after making an appointment online. In addition, the validity of the Umrah visa has been extended from 30 days to 90 days to allow pilgrims to stay longer in Saudi Arabia.

The Nusuk App can be used to obtain an Umrah permit. In addition, the ministry emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the appointed date and time, as changes cannot be made to the system. Pilgrims wishing to make changes must cancel their existing permit and submit a new application.

In addition, for a healthy umrah, it is advised to wear medical socks to avoid walking barefoot for a long time, use creams and moisturizers to prevent skin abrasions, and wear masks to prevent respiratory infections. During the pilgrimage, it is also important to follow rules and etiquette, cooperate and treat others with respect and kindness.

Earlier, Travel Wise wrote about how to travel during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.