Durian. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced on Feb.27 the suspension of issuing visas and ban pilgrimages from performing minor hajj, or umrah, in order to prevent the arrival of coronavirus to the country.
“According to the instructions received by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah regarding the precautionary measures taken by the kingdom to prevent the arrival of the new coronavirus…the entry of non-Saudis to the kingdom for the purpose of umrah and visit has been suspended and the issuance of visas has been suspended temporarily,” Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahim and Zan, undersecretary of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Umrah Affairs of Saudi Arabia said in a statement.
The country also urges umrah companies and external agents to cancel any future reservations. The policy was applied immediately until further notification.
Umrah is not obligatory for Muslims but hajj.
