In a sweeping update to its Umrah pilgrimage procedures, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made it mandatory for all intending pilgrims from the United Arab Emirates to pre-book both accommodation and transportation before applying for their Umrah visas.
The new directive, already being enforced at key entry points including Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina, is part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing order, safety, and compliance in the pilgrimage process.
Travel operators across the UAE have begun notifying clients of the critical requirement, warning that failure to adhere to the new rules could result in visa rejections or denial of entry upon arrival in the Kingdom. More importantly, Umrah service providers who fail to ensure their pilgrims are fully booked in advance now face the risk of heavy financial penalties and possible suspension from the official Saudi visa system.
Shihab Parwad, a senior representative of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism based in the UAE, confirmed that the updated requirements demand that pilgrims secure confirmed bookings for all aspects of their trip—including transport to and from the holy sites and hotel stays in Makkah and Medina—before initiating their visa application. These bookings are now cross-checked by Saudi immigration authorities upon arrival to ensure full compliance.
While individual travelers entering on tourist visas might still be allowed some flexibility, registered Umrah operators are being held strictly accountable under the new policy. Saudi authorities are said to be targeting the elimination of unregulated transportation and accommodation services, especially illegal taxis and unapproved tour facilitators operating near airports and key religious landmarks.
Transportation arrangements must now be made through official Saudi portals, either via pre-paid licensed taxis or tickets for the Haramain Express high-speed train. Similarly, hotel reservations must be with properties officially registered under the Hajj and Umrah regulatory framework. Both services must be booked through the “Nusuk” platform or approved digital channels under the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s “Masar” system.
Qaiser Mahmood of ASAA Tourism, operating from Abu Hail in Dubai, noted that this integration with digital platforms marks a significant step in streamlining the pilgrim experience and preventing exploitation or logistical challenges. He stressed that those seeking to perform Umrah using standard tourist visas may be barred from accessing core religious sites, including the revered Riyaz ul Jannah in the Prophet’s Mosque.
Visa costs for Umrah currently start from around AED 750, depending on the applicant’s nationality and other logistical factors. These fees now include bundled services, with hotel and transportation arrangements folded directly into the visa process. Travel agencies are urging clients to opt for full packages—comprising visa processing, flights, verified accommodations, and transport bookings—to avoid disruptions or denial of entry.
The newly enforced rules are the result of growing collaboration between UAE travel operators and Saudi authorities, as both nations work to ensure a smoother, more secure pilgrimage process in line with the Kingdom’s ongoing digital transformation and Vision 2030 goals.
By requiring full pre-planning, Saudi Arabia aims to minimize irregularities, enhance crowd control, and offer pilgrims a more organized and spiritually fulfilling journey.
