Coronavirus immunity a requirement for Mecca pilgrims, Saudi Arabia says

Making a pilgrimage to Mecca — one of Islam’s holiest sites — is an integral part of the Muslim faith, but only those immunised against COVID-19 will be able to take part for now.

Saudi Arabian authorities say the vaccination direction will begin from Ramadan, and will only apply for those participating in the umrah pilgrimage — a non-compulsory pilgrimage that can happen at any time of the year. 

Immunised travellers will fall into one of three categories: those who have received two…