What Are the New Regulations for Umrah and Hajj Pilgrims?
Keeping in view the ever increasing number of pilgrims arriving in Makkah every year for Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage, the officials have revised the pilgrimage travel rules and regulations. This step is to ensure seamless connectivity and smooth pilgrimage experience as well as guarantee state security. In addition to travelling with all-inclusive Umrah Packages from Islamic Travel UK, pilgrims can now opt for holy rituals of Umrah alone as well.
Here’s what you need to know about the new regulations for Umrah and Hajj Pilgrims.
Availability of e-Visas
In order to keep up with the digital inclination of the newer generations, the Saudi ministry of Hajj and Umrah has revised its pilgrimage travel policies under the ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ plan. As per the new rules, Muslim travellers to KSA on a tourist visa, family visa or work visa can also offer Umrah rituals without the need of obtaining a separate Umrah visa.
All you need to do is download the Nusuk app on your mobile device (available for both iOS and Android), create your account with valid details, obtain your Umrah permit and enter Haram to perform the rites of minor pilgrimage. In the same way, entry to Riyadh ul Jannah and Roza-e-Rasool (SAWW) is now also through appointments booked by the Nusuk app.
The availability of e-Visas is only for the residents and/or citizens of specific countries (complete list is present ton the official website). You can browse the Saudi Arabia’s official websites and check your eligibility of an e-Visa.
To get an e-Visa, all you need to do is submit a valid application form (according to your visa type) with the digital copies of your passport, bank statement, medical certificate, return airline tickets, prebooked hotel accommodation, reason of travel to KSA and any other specific requirement. Then pay the visa fee via credit/debit card or any other third party platform. You will get your e-visa sent to your registered email address within 24 hours to 72 hours.
In addition, the validity of these visas is up to 90 days per entry, with multiple entries supported in a year.
Mahram Requirements no Longer Exist
Previously, Muslim women travelling for Umrah and Hajj necessarily required the company of a male mahram for the performance of holy rituals. A woman arriving in KSA without a male mahram was not allowed to enter the region let alone performing Umrah rituals. However, the policies changed under the Saudi Vision 2030 plan. Now, women can travel alone for Umrah as well (the mahram requirement no longer exists). However, for Hajj, accompanying a male mahram is still a necessity for female pilgrims.
Vaccinations
All of the pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah arriving in KSA with Umrah Packages 2025 must administer specific vaccinations defined for their region of travel. Considering the December for less crowds and off-peak season for Umrah, pilgrims can also book December Umrah Packages from UK with all-inclusive services. Any pilgrim arriving without getting necessary vaccinations shots would not get permission to enter Sadia Arabia or have to go through a quarantine phase along with on-spot vaccinations at the airport. So, make sure that you save yourself time and depart only after getting necessary vaccinations from a registered health facility. Carrying proof of vaccination i.e. vaccination certificates is also necessary for all of the pilgrims.
Strict penalties for Violations
The Kingdom of Saudia Arabia now practices strict guidelines for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims for crowd management, travel safety and health protocols. Therefore, any pilgrim found violating the law will not only get hefty penalties but also legal prosecutions can occur for serious matters resulting in jail time and deportation form the holy land with a lifetime ban. So before you travel for Umrah and Hajj, make sure that you know of the legalities involved during your travel as well as the laws imposed on foreign pilgrims.
Easier Travel and Entry to KSA
Travelling for Hajj and Umrah is now much easier with the availability of e-visa options make sure that you get seamless entry to the kingdom with minimized wait times, expedited delivery of visas and eliminating any chances of visa refusals or delays. This helps to ensure that a large number of pilgrims can travel for the holy pilgrimages easily without any restriction.