What Are the New Regulations for Umrah and Hajj Pilgrims?
With the digitalization and introduction of Saudi Vision 2030 plan, Hajj and Umrah travel have changed. A lot of the policies regarding pilgrimage travel are not only revised but also have become more relaxed and flexible. This is to ensure accessibility of pilgrimage travel for everyone.
Whether you are arriving in the kingdom with All-Inclusive Umrah Packages or on your own, there are new regulations to follow. Here’s what you need to know about them.
Mahram Requirement for women
Previously female pilgrims intending for holy rituals required a mahram male to accompany them for the holy trip. In fact, it was an essential part of your visa application process. Women also needed to submit a ‘Mahram’ relationship certificate to the authorities to confirm her relation. Otherwise, visa rejection was the outcome let alone performing the Umrah rituals. On the other hand, women who managed to travel to KSA without the company of a male mahram were denied entry at the airport.
However, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has now abolished this requirement. Any women travelling for Umrah rituals can arrive in Makkah alone and perform the Umrah pilgrimage. There’s no necessary requirement for her to accompany a male mahram. She can apply for an Umrah visa by herself and arrive in the region for holy rituals.
However, for hajj, the necessary requirement of a male mahram for a female pilgrim persist. Women cannot travel alone for Hajj rituals.
Digital Hajj and Umrah permits
Muslim travelers who are already present in KSA on a valid visa don’t need to apply for a separate Umrah visa. They can enter Haram for the holy rituals on their existing visa by getting a permit from Nusuk App. Both Hajj and Umrah permits are available for the foreign pilgrims on the Nusuk App. Just download the application on your mobile phone, log in with valid credentials and get your hajj or Umrah permit.
Digital hajj and Umrah permits have streamlined the pilgrimage travel for Muslims. Especially if a Muslim is already present in the kingdom and want to offer Umrah rituals, he/she can easily do it. No need to apply for an Umrah visa with All Inclusive December Umrah Packages and wait till its approval. New Year Ramadan is also an ideal season for performing the Umrah. Most of the travelers book Ramadan Umrah Packages 2025 from UK in advance to save price of services. You can directly go to Makkah and offer Umrah rituals on your visit to KSA; whether personal or professional.
Pilgrimage travel on e-visa types
Previously, Hajj and Umrah pilgrims needed to get a specific visa for the pilgrimage rituals. However, when Saudi Arabia announced its Saudi Vison 2030 plan, the policies became relaxed. Now pilgrims can also travel on e-visa i.e. work, visit or family and perform holy rituals on it.
E-visas are available online with a processing time to up to 72 hours’ maximum. However, citizens from only 68 eligible countries can apply for it. Otherwise you have to opt for conventional means for a visa.
Another benefit of these e-visas is that you can have a flexible and extended stay period in KSA. The cherry on top, you don’t have to take time out separately for the holy rituals. You can perform Umrah on your work, tourist or family visit to KSA in a matter of few hours.
Enhanced visa validity
As per the new rules, Umrah visas are now valid for an extended period. Previously Umrah visas were valid up to 30 days with Best All-Inclusive Umrah Packages, However, the newer policies made them valid for 90 days’ maximum. Therefore, allowing pilgrims to have sufficient time for holy rituals in Makkah, and Ziyarath of Holy sites.
On appointment entry to holy sites
If you are planning to visit Roza-e-Rasool (SAWW) and Riayd ul Jannah during your visit, they are now available on appointment. You can book your slot online through the Nusuk app and enter the area without any hassle. There’s a separate time for men and women. Previously, there was no such rule of the type. Entry to these sites were completely upon luck depending and they always remain crowded.
Strict policies
KSA now practices very strict policies regarding the entry regulations, health safety, security of Haram and unauthorized movements. In fact, facilitators of such individuals can now also face jail time and hefty penalties. So, when you buy All Inclusive December Umrah Packages it’s best to give a look to these new policies.
These are some of the new regulations for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to consider for a memorable and fulfilling trip.