Saudi Arabia Introduces New Umrah Rules — Tourist Visas Suspended to Streamline Pilgrimage Process
In a major policy shift, Saudi Arabia has announced new rules for Umrah, temporarily banning the use of tourist visas for pilgrimage purposes. The move is aimed at improving crowd management, ensuring security, and streamlining services for millions of pilgrims visiting the holy sites every year.
This announcement comes as the Kingdom prepares for a record number of Umrah visitors, following a surge in travel demand from Muslim communities worldwide.
New Umrah Regulations at a Glance
Tourist visa holders will no longer be allowed to perform Umrah.
Only official Umrah visas issued through authorized platforms will be accepted.
Pilgrims must complete advance registration and book accommodations through approved agents.
Additional entry control measures will be introduced at airports and border points to monitor arrivals more effectively.
The new rules apply to all international visitors until further notice.
Reasons Behind the New Rules
Saudi authorities explained that the decision is not a ban on pilgrims, but a regulatory step to make the process more organized.
Overcrowding Control: Rapid growth in Umrah visitors through tourist visas has caused uncontrolled crowd surges at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Safety & Security: Managing millions of unregistered pilgrims created challenges in emergency response and crowd safety.
Streamlined Services: Official Umrah visas allow authorities to plan transportation, accommodation, and healthcare more efficiently.
Better Coordination: This step will help in maintaining a smooth flow of international groups and avoid unnecessary delays during peak Umrah season.
Impact on Pilgrims and Travel Agencies
Pilgrims will now have to apply through official Umrah programs, such as the Nusuk platform.
Travel agencies must register and get authorized to handle Umrah packages.
People who previously entered on tourist visas for Umrah will need to reapply under the new system.
Authorities also warned that violations may lead to fines or deportation.
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Saudi Arabia’s Statement
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said:
“The new regulations are designed to ensure a smooth, safe, and spiritual experience for every pilgrim. By streamlining the visa process, we can manage crowds more effectively and protect the sanctity of the holy sites.”
Looking Ahead
Saudi Arabia continues to modernize its pilgrimage system with digital platforms, smart crowd monitoring, and improved services at airports and transport hubs. The Kingdom aims to host 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030, as part of its Saudi Vision 2030 plan.
This latest policy is expected to reduce overcrowding during peak months and enhance the overall pilgrimage experience for visitors.
