Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Saudi Arabia has officially resumed granting Umrah visas on Tuesday, June 10, following the smooth completion of this year's Hajj season. The first group of Umrah pilgrims will arrive in the Kingdom on June 11, signaling the start of year-round spiritual trips to the holy towns of Makkah and Madina.
This year, nearly 1.6 million people from 71 nations participated in the Hajj pilgrimage, with Saudi Arabia gaining accolades for the event's efficient handling. The government ensured that everything worked smoothly with:
• 3,314 flights managed by 62 airlines
• Connections to 238 cities worldwide
• A comprehensive safety campaign
Now that Hajj has concluded successfully, Saudi Arabia is ready to open the Umrah visa window. International travel agents had to finalize service agreements by May 27, which cover pilgrims’ accommodation, transport, and support during their stay.
Umrah visas are paused each year before Hajj to allow the country to focus on the pilgrimage's logistics, ensuring safety and smooth operations for the millions of pilgrims attending.
As Umrah resumes, the Ministry will release more details about:
• Pilgrim quotas for different countries
• Health and travel rules
• Entry and e-visa processes
This Umrah season will last until 1447 Hijri (2026), and pilgrims are encouraged to book their travel through authorized agents. Saudi Arabia also plans to improve the Umrah process using advanced digital tools and real-time coordination to make the experience even better for future pilgrims.
Travelers from India and other countries should check official Ministry websites for updates and guidance before planning their journey.
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