Ministry: Hajj requires full COVID-19 vaccination

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said this year's Hajj pilgrims must be fully immunized with one of the approved COVID19- vaccines.

The confirmation comes less than 24 hours after Saudi authorities lifted COVID-19 preventative measures, including mask requirements.

All Hajj pilgrims must be immunised with a COVID-19 vaccine approved by the Public Health Authority.

This vaccine requirement is listed on the Hajj registration portal for 1 million pilgrims this year.

People need not wear a mask while being indoors; however, the mask may not be necessary at Makkah's Grand Mosque. The mask is not required at Madinah's Prophet's Mosque too. So also at health facilities, large public events, aircrafts, and public transportation providers that wish to uphold the measures.

 Administrators of any activity, event, or public transport provider can be exempt from the decision.

The minister of Hajj and Umrah, said at a press conference on June 1 in Amman, Jordan, that this year's Hajj has many requirements, but "the safety of pilgrims and their safe return to their countries remain our priorities."

Priority will be given to those who have never performed Hajj, the ministry said when registration opened. According to their Tawakkalna application, those who aren't fully immunised won't get a Hajj permit.