Umrah bookings in Bahrain witness spike as Saudi eases Covid-19 rules | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Umrah bookings in Bahrain witness spike as Saudi eases Covid-19 rules | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

The bookings for Umrah pilgrimage is witnessing a steep increase as Saudi Arabia eased its Covid rules for inbound travellers. According to travel firms and licensed Umrah companies in Bahrain, bookings are expected to further rise with the Holy Month of Ramadan fast approaching. This week, Saudi Arabia further eased Covid-19 travel restrictions for vaccinated visitors. And accordingly, travellers flying to Bahrain no longer need to take a pre-departure PCR or antigen test on arrival. The new rules also mean that face masks are not required in outdoor places, and social-distancing measures have been relaxed. Suspensions on 17 countries have also been lifted, with flights once again able to land in Bahrain from a host of African and Asian countries where travel was previously restricted. The development comes after the number of coronavirus infections in the country dropped by nearly 50 per cent in a week. Travel firms say the move is likely to provide a boost to Bahrain ahead of Hajj, one of Saudi Arabia’s busiest times for travel, which is due to start in early July. Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Raju Pillai, Country Head of Akbar Travels, said the bookings have increased sharply owing to the easing