18/06/2025
FYI DIY Umrah Travelers
⸻
🇸🇦 New Rules and Regulations for Umrah 1447 Hijri (2025/26) issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
For your convenience, we are highlighting the old system with ⛔ red signals and the new system with ✅ green signals:
1️⃣
⛔ Previously, you could get an only visa without other services.
✅ Now, only visa will not be issued.
2️⃣
⛔ Previously, booking for 1-2 nights at a hotel was enough.
✅ Now, you must book a hotel for the entire duration of your stay.
3️⃣
⛔ Previously, booking at a non-registered hotel was allowed.
✅ Now, visa will not be issued if you book at a non-registered hotel.
4️⃣
⛔ Previously, you could get a visa without transport.
✅ Now, a visa will not be issued without transport arrangements.
5️⃣
⛔ Previously, you could travel without a group.
✅ Now, travel without a group is prohibited.
6️⃣
⛔ Previously, in a group, only flight or transport was common, and hotels were booked individually.
✅ Now, all passengers in the same vehicle must stay at the same hotel.
7️⃣
⛔ Previously, visa fees were the same whether for 1 or 50 persons.
✅ Now, visa fees will vary according to the number of passengers in the vehicle and the standard of the vehicle.
8️⃣
⛔ Previously, for children’s visas, hotel and transport charges were not included.
✅ Now, a child’s visa will not be issued without hotel and transport services.
9️⃣
⛔ Previously, pilgrims could make individual vouchers for Makkah and Madinah stays.
✅ Now, one unified voucher will be made according to the group’s stay plan.
🔟
⛔ Previously, visa could be issued on ticket booking.
✅ Now, confirmed ticket is required for visa issuance.
1️⃣1️⃣
⛔ Previously, you could change the voucher before or after travel.
✅ Now, no changes can be made to the voucher after approval.
1️⃣2️⃣
⛔ Previously, residents (Iqama holders) could stay in the hotel with their visiting relatives.
✅ Now, residents (Iqama holders) will not be allowed to stay in the hotel.
1️⃣3️⃣
⛔ Previously, you could stay in an alternative hotel mentioned in the voucher.
✅ Now, you must stay at the hotel mentioned in the voucher.
⚠️ Compliance with these regulations is mandatory for companies, clients, and pilgrims. Any violation can result in heavy fines, company closure, or future visa bans.
➡️ If any charges are applied by the Saudi Government on the visa, these will be charged additionally.
