Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has banned the direct entry of expatriates for Umrah from nine countries facing travel bans unless they spend two weeks in a third country after leaving these countries, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday. All countries are allowed to send direct flights except for nine countries: India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, and Lebanon, which require a quarantine of 14 days in a third country before arriving in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia on July 25 announced the resumption of Umrah service for pilgrims worldwide from 1st Muharram 1443 (August 10, 2021), following a successful Hajj season. “The Grand Mosque is ready to receive pilgrims and worshippers for Umrah,” said the deputy head of the affairs of the Grand Mosque, Saad bin Muhammad al-Muhaimid. Beginning from July 25, Umrah agencies have been authorized to issue Visas for Umrah for entry beginning from 1st Muharram 1443 (10 August 2021). Ab...