Hajj 2021: Expectations and Health Protocols for Pilgrims

The question many Muslims are asking this year is, “Will there be a Hajj in 2021?” This inquiry arises following the unprecedented suspension of Islam’s most important religious pilgrimage in 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Importance of Hajj

The Hajj is considered by most Muslims as one of the five essential pillars of their faith, making it an obligation for those whose health and finances allow. This pilgrimage involves a series of prescribed ancient rites performed over five specific dates in the twelfth Islamic month of Dhu al Hijjah. These rituals occur in and around the holy city of Mecca, with the 2021 Hajj likely to start on July 17, contingent on moon sighting, as the Islamic calendar is lunar.

Impact of COVID-19 on Umrah and Hajj

In response to the pandemic, Saudi Arabia suspended all Umrah pilgrimages starting in March 2020. The Umrah, known as the “mini Hajj,” is performed year-round but is not mandatory. During the days of Hajj in 2020, an international pilgrim ban led to a “cancellation” of the pilgrimage for all except around 1,000 domestic pilgrims. These individuals were permitted to perform the rites while adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols.

Current Health Protocols for Pilgrims

As of now, the first foreign Umrah pilgrims began arriving in November, and despite a brief pause due to new COVID-19 variants, they have been successfully performing the pilgrimage by following stringent health measures. These stipulations include:

• Quarantine for up to seven days prior to departure, with longer durations for travelers from high-risk countries.
• Proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure.
• Temperature checks upon arrival.
• Additional quarantine of three days within the Kingdom before starting the pilgrimage.
• Mandatory social distancing during all rites and prayers.

The Hajj Ministry reported that since November, five million Umrah pilgrims have visited, with no recorded COVID-19 cases, indicating the effectiveness of these measures.

Looking Ahead to Hajj 2021

With several vaccines now available, there is hope that the Hajj will proceed in July 2021. If it does go ahead, it is likely that prospective pilgrims will need to be vaccinated, but this has yet to be officially confirmed.

Those planning to undertake the Hajj in 2021 should prepare in advance for COVID-19 vaccination and anticipate that many of the current protocols for Umrah pilgrims will still apply. Furthermore, it would be wise to express interest with a Hajj agent early, as countries are expecting significantly fewer Hajj visas to be issued in comparison to prior years. During the last pre-COVID Hajj, which many experienced together, approximately 2.5 million people completed the pilgrimage; this scale may not be seen for a considerable time.