New Umrah Rules: Essential Travel Preparations

Umrah Pilgrimage: New Regulations You Must Know

The spiritual significance of the Umrah pilgrimage attracts millions to Mecca and Medina every year, yet starting from 2025, new regulations introduced in Saudi Arabia will bring significant changes in preparation for the journey. The goal is clear: eliminate past abuses, reduce chaotic organization, and ensure a fully regulated and digitally trackable process for every pilgrim. However, the new system brings numerous changes that require stricter compliance from travelers, particularly for those planning to undertake the Umrah from the United Arab Emirates.

What's Changed?

The most important innovation is that Umrah can no longer be performed with a tourist visa. Previously, this was a convenience for many, as it allowed a simpler and often cheaper means to travel to Saudi Arabia, sometimes combined with other travel purposes. Under the new system, only the official Umrah visa is accepted, which can only be applied for through the Nusuk platform.

Mandatory Accommodation Booking at Visa Application

One of the key elements of the visa application is that accommodation must be booked at the time of application. This can be done through approved accommodations on the Masar system, or if someone intends to stay with relatives, the host Saudi citizen's Saudi Unified ID must be provided. Without this, the system will not allow the application to be submitted.

The aim here is to ensure accommodation only occurs in official, traceable, and verified locations. This also enables authorities to check at any time where and for how long a pilgrim is staying.

The Itinerary Cannot Be Modified

The itinerary attached to the visa application is considered final, meaning it cannot be changed or postponed afterward. For example, if someone wishes to stay longer and did not indicate this in advance, the system can automatically fine the traveler and the travel agency. Any potential changes must be registered under the original visa number, and only data linked with the specific ID can be altered.

Only Official Transport Can Be Used

Upon arrival at the airport, authorities check whether the pilgrim has indeed booked the necessary travel transfers. Whether it's a taxi, bus, or the Haramain Express train, only vehicles approved by the Nusuk or Masar systems may be used.

It is important to note that, for example, the Haramain Express does not operate after 9 p.m., so those arriving later must book an alternative official transfer in advance. Spontaneous rides, such as accepting offers from airport drivers, are no longer permitted.

Tourist Visa Excluded

One of the most significant points is that a tourist visa is no longer valid for Umrah. Those attempting to embark on a pilgrimage with one will likely face issues at the airport or may not be able to enter Riyadh ul Jannah in Medina. Violating the rule can lead to being turned away and subject to substantial fines.

Visa on Arrival – Only from Certain Countries

Citizens of certain countries – such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, or Schengen states – may be eligible for a visa on arrival, but only if they have visited the country at least once and have a valid existing visa. However, this does not replace the Umrah visa and serves only as an alternative entry option for other purposes.

Airport Check – Nothing Can Be Missed

Under the new regulation, arriving travelers are checked by a special team that goes through all the bookings: accommodation, transfers, return trips. If anything is missing or not matching the records in the system, the pilgrim may be held back, or the agency could be fined.

Severe Penalties for Violations

Any rule violation – such as unauthorized taxi use or overstaying – results in an automatic penalty. Fines can start from approximately 750 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim, and the travel agency can also face serious repercussions, potentially including exclusion from the system.

What Can a Pilgrim from the UAE Do?

Those departing from the UAE for Umrah must now organize their journey solely through official service providers. They can book accommodations, request visas, and arrange travel via the Nusuk platform or official Umrah partners. While it remains possible to work with agents, this can only occur with complete knowledge of and adherence to the rules.

From now on, the pilgrimage resembles an organized tour more closely than an individual spiritual journey. This has positive and negative sides. Positively, the system is more transparent, safer, and less prone to abuse. Negatively, it eliminates flexibility, and every step must be planned months in advance instead of making spontaneous decisions.

Summary

From 2025, the Umrah pilgrimage has become a completely digitalized and system-dependent process. The changes aim to increase safety, transparency, and regulation—though this requires significant planning from pilgrims. Anyone starting from Dubai or any UAE emirate should begin preparations well in advance and check every detail within the official systems.

Knowing the new rules not only guarantees the success of the pilgrimage but also protects against potential penalties and inconveniences—ensuring that the Umrah remains a spiritual experience rather than an administrative challenge.

(Source: Changes introduced by Saudi Arabia.)