Urgent – Hajj and Umrah Ministry emphasizes: No Hajj without a valid visa… and 15 Shawwal is the last date for Umrah pilgrims
The ministry explained, through an explanatory statement published on its official account on the “X” platform under the hashtag “#Coming_for_Umrah”, that the first of Shawwal is the last date for issuing Umrah visas, within a precise timetable aimed at organizing the season and ensuring smooth movement at air and land ports, which enhances the efficiency of crowd management and prepares for the transition to the Hajj season.
In a related context, during the seventeenth periodic meeting with Umrah companies, which was held under the patronage of the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the Ministry stressed the need for full compliance with the regulations and instructions, especially with regard to the dates of the departure to the airports and the updating of the departure data of the pilgrims through the “Nusk Masar” platform.
She categorically confirmed that “there is no Hajj without a proper Hajj visa,” and that the rituals cannot be performed using an Umrah visa, in a move aimed at controlling procedures and preventing any violations that may affect the integrity of the organization.
Facilitating the departure of pilgrims
These directives coincide with a package of guidelines issued by the Ministry to facilitate the departure of Umrah pilgrims. The Ministry called for monitoring flight updates, coordinating directly with airlines and Umrah companies, preparing for travel early, and adhering to baggage requirements.
It also clarified the possibility of shipping Zamzam water through airports, subject to specific regulations. These regulations include purchasing containers from approved points of sale, with a maximum capacity of five liters per container.
These measures reflect the scale of the organizational efforts undertaken, particularly in light of the increasing numbers for the Umrah season. The Ministry revealed that the number of Umrah pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom during Ramadan exceeded 1.68 million, a clear indication of the growing global demand for performing the rituals, supported by a range of services and facilities provided by the Kingdom as part of the objectives of Vision 2030.
Prayer in the Noble Garden
Digital services also saw a significant presence, with prayer bookings at the Prophet's Mosque exceeding 1.1 million for pilgrims from 155 nationalities. Meanwhile, the "Nusuk Care" centers provided over 153,000 field services in multiple languages, and the Pilgrim Care Center (1966) handled more than 19,700 reports and inquiries, achieving a resolution rate exceeding 93%, reflecting the high level of responsiveness and operational efficiency.
On the monitoring front, field teams conducted over 21,500 inspection tours during Ramadan, targeting accommodation facilities and service providers to ensure compliance with regulations and enhance the quality of services offered.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah affirms that this integrated system of organizational and operational procedures stems from the directives of the wise leadership to care for pilgrims and its commitment to providing a safe and convenient experience that ensures the performance of rituals with peace of mind, while simultaneously supporting an organized transition from the Umrah season to the Hajj season according to the highest standards of efficiency and discipline.
