18/06/2025
βΈ»
πΈπ¦ 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 β red signals and the new system with β
green signals:
1οΈβ£
β Previously, you could get an only visa without other services.
β
Now, only visa will not be issued.
2οΈβ£
β Previously, booking for 1-2 nights at a hotel was enough.
β
Now, you must book a hotel for the entire duration of your stay.
3οΈβ£
β Previously, booking at a non-registered hotel was allowed.
β
Now, visa will not be issued if you book at a non-registered hotel.
4οΈβ£
β Previously, you could get a visa without transport.
β
Now, a visa will not be issued without transport arrangements.
5οΈβ£
β Previously, you could travel without a group.
β
Now, travel without a group is prohibited.
6οΈβ£
β Previously, in a group, only flight or transport was common, and hotels were booked individually.
β
Now, all passengers in the same vehicle must stay at the same hotel.
7οΈβ£
β Previously, visa fees were the same whether for 1 or 50 persons.
β
Now, visa fees will vary according to the number of passengers in the vehicle and the standard of the vehicle.
8οΈβ£
β Previously, for childrenβs visas, hotel and transport charges were not included.
β
Now, a childβs visa will not be issued without hotel and transport services.
9οΈβ£
β Previously, pilgrims could make individual vouchers for Makkah and Madinah stays.
β
Now, one unified voucher will be made according to the groupβs stay plan.
π
β Previously, visa could be issued on ticket booking.
β
Now, confirmed ticket is required for visa issuance.
1οΈβ£1οΈβ£
β Previously, you could change the voucher before or after travel.
β
Now, no changes can be made to the voucher after approval.
1οΈβ£2οΈβ£
β Previously, residents (Iqama holders) could stay in the hotel with their visiting relatives.
β
Now, residents (Iqama holders) will not be allowed to stay in the hotel.
1οΈβ£3οΈβ£
β Previously, you could stay in an alternative hotel mentioned in the voucher.
β
Now, you must stay at the hotel mentioned in the voucher.
β οΈ Compliance with these regulations is mandatory for companies, clients, and pilgrims. Any violation can result in heavy fines, company closure, or future visa bans.
β‘οΈ If any charges are applied by the Saudi Government on the visa, these will be charged additionally.
Regards
Lasani Pak International Travel and Tours