JEDDAH – Saudi Arabia has announced new travel requirements for Umrah pilgrims from Pakistan and other countries with effect from the Islamic month of Rabiul Awal.
The measures aimed at creating a more organised, integrated, and standardised system for visitors performing the religious pilgrimage.
Under the updated policy, applicants seeking Umrah visas will be required to provide additional documentation and confirmation of essential services before approval.
The new measures will be implemented gradually, with the first phase scheduled to begin from 1 Rabi Al-Awwal.
According to the revised regulations, pilgrims must now have confirmed hotel bookings, transportation vouchers, and food arrangements as part of the visa process.
A food voucher worth 20 Saudi riyals per night will become a mandatory requirement, with the entire system managed through the Nusuk digital platform.
The initial implementation phase will cover pilgrims arriving from Pakistan, India, Egypt, and Bangladesh. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has connected around 10,000 restaurants in Makkah and Madinah with the Nusuk platform to help ensure pilgrims receive reliable and organised food services during their stay.
Authorities said the new framework is designed to coordinate all aspects of the Umrah journey, from arrival to departure. Umrah companies, hotels, transportation providers, and catering service operators will be responsible for ensuring that services are delivered through a coordinated and transparent system.
Officials added that several companies were previously blacklisted and fined for violating Umrah regulations.
Newly approved Umrah service providers have also been integrated into the Nusuk system, allowing pilgrims to access different services through a unified digital platform.
The Saudi authorities said the updated arrangements are part of broader efforts to improve service quality, enhance coordination among providers, and offer a smoother experience for Umrah visitors.
