Hajj 2021 Latest News & Updates

What is Hajj?

Hajj is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, which takes place in Makkah (Saudi Arabia). It is a once in a lifetime journey that is obligatory on all Muslims to perform if they are able to accomplish it.

When Will Hajj 2021 Take Place?

It is expected that Hajj in 2021 will take place between Sunday 18th July 2021 and Thursday 22nd July 2021.

Preparing for Hajj and Umrah in 2021

Use our Hajj 2021 Learning Portal to learn more about the rites of Hajj and Umrah, gain an insight into the wisdom of Hajj, and unlock the meaning behind the grandest of visits to the final Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

What is the impact of COVID-19 on Hajj and Umrah in 2021?

Our Hajj 2021 and COVID-19 FAQ is an excellent resource that will answer many of your travel questions that relate to performing Hajj or Umrah in 2021 during the current health climate.

What is the Likely Hood of Hajj 2021 Going Ahead Against the Backdrop of the Current COVID-19 Pandemic?

No decisions have been made by relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have not yet made any official statement with regards to Hajj 1442/2021. With this said, we have begun we have now pro-actively begun planning for Hajj 2021, in what may be the smallest open Hajj in modern history due to the current health climate. The preparation to receive and serve pilgrims for Hajj 2021 is also still progressing within the Ministry of Hajj & Umrah and other relevant authorities.

For all the latest news on whether Hajj 2021 will go ahead, please visit our latest article which explores all the possible scenarios.

What is the impact of the second mutated strain of COVID-19 on Hajj 2021?

After the discovery of the second strain of COVID-19 at the end of December 2021, the Saudi authorities imposed a temporary ban on the entry of international travels from Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, The United Arab Emirates, The United Kingdom, The United States of America and Turkey.

The good news - for all the Muslims around the world – is that these restrictions will be lifted on March 31 2021, which make the chances of an open Hajj 2021 that much more likely insha’Allah.

Will the UK’s new mandatory hotel quarantine rules potentially affect Hajj 2021?

From 15 February anyone travelling to the UK from a country on the UK’s travel ban list will be required to quarantine in a government-approved facility for 10 days.

Currently, Saudi Arabia is not on this red list, so the new rules will not apply.

Will the UK’s current lockdown and travel ban stop Hajj 2021 going ahead for UK residents?

There seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel, as the Government announced today (22 February 2021) their plans to not only lift the UK's lockdown starting from March 8th, but to also end all legal limits on social distancing from 21st June. International travel is also hoped to return from 17th May, with a report expected on 12th April that will look at how to facilitate more inbound and outbound travel.

These are very positive signs, which we hope and pray make the chances of an open Hajj 2021 that much more likely insha’Allah.

What does the latest Covid vaccine news mean for travelling for Hajj?

Saudi Arabia’s Health Ministry have recently confirmed that vaccination would be “the main condition for participation in Hajj 2021” after Health Minister, Tawfiq Al Rabiah, previously stated that “compulsory vaccinations” would be required for all pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia began their vaccination program on December 17 2020, with the Moderna, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca jabs being approved for use. The Health Ministry have also began a programme where it would see Makkah becoming the first city in the world where 100% of its residents have been vaccinated.

What are the current requirements for pilgrims who wish to perform Hajj 2021?

As of March 19th, based on the latest vaccine protocol for Hajj 2021, the Ministry of Health have released the following conditions that must be met in order for international pilgrims to perform Hajj:

• Pilgrims must be aged between 18 and 60 years old only;
• Pilgrims must have had both doses of any COVID-19 vaccination, with the second dose being administered at least one week prior to entering the Kingdom;
• Pilgrims must produce a negative 'Fit to Fly PCR Test', which must be performed 72 hours before they arrive in the Kingdom;
• Pilgrims will be required to quarantine upon entering the Kingdom, which will be lifted after 72 hours when a negative PCR result is produced.

We are still awaiting official confirmation from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in regards to this press release, and is it stands, protocols can change. Visit our article that discusses the new hajj visa regulations and travel criteria for hajj 2021 for all the latest information.

Sara International Travel is a Hajj and Umrah Travel Agency that offers the best Hajj Packages and Umrah Packages across the UK. We will also assist you in finding the best package for your pilgrimage and at the best price. We are a determined team of professionals with the expertise and experience in Hajj and Umrah services who can provide you a with hassle-free and worry-less journey to the sacred lands.