logo

Saudi Arabia To Resume Umrah Visas From June 10

Gulf Insider10-06-2025

Saudi Arabia will resume issuing Umrah visas on Tuesday, June 10, paving the way for international pilgrims to return to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina—just days after concluding one of the safest and most efficiently managed Hajj seasons.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah earlier confirmed the start of the new Umrah season, noting that the first wave of foreign pilgrims is expected to arrive on Wednesday, June 11.
According to the ministry's official calendar, visa issuance will begin on June 10 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446). Umrah companies and international agents were instructed to finalize their service agreements no later than May 27 (29 Dhul Qadah 1446).
The announcement comes on the heels of a successful Hajj season that saw participation from more than 1.6 million pilgrims from around the world.
Unlike Hajj, Umrah is not restricted to specific dates and can be performed year-round. The upcoming Umrah cycle will extend into 2026 (1447H). Further updates are expected in the coming months regarding pilgrim quotas, travel guidelines, and health protocols.
Saudi Arabia traditionally suspends Umrah visa issuance several weeks before the Hajj season to ensure the smooth organization and execution of the annual pilgrimage.
This pause enables authorities to dedicate their full logistical, health, and security resources to managing the significantly higher influx of Hajj pilgrims, who arrive over a much shorter period.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Saudi Arabia Multiple Entry eVisa For GCC Expats: How UAE Residents Can Apply Online
Saudi Arabia Multiple Entry eVisa For GCC Expats: How UAE Residents Can Apply Online

Gulf Insider

time2 hours ago

  • Gulf Insider

Saudi Arabia Multiple Entry eVisa For GCC Expats: How UAE Residents Can Apply Online

Are you planning to travel to Saudi Arabia soon? If so, expatriates residing in the UAE or other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can apply for a one-year multiple-entry eVisa. This visa provides ample time for business trips, visiting friends and family, exploring the country, and even performing Umrah (excluding the Hajj season). UAE expatriates can apply for the eVisa through Saudi Arabia's unified visa platform, launched in 2023, at Duration and validity of Saudi eVisa for GCC residents Visa types – Single or multiple entry . . Visa period – 90 days for single entry and one year for multiple entry and Duration of stay in Saudi Arabia – 90 days The residency document should be valid for at least three months.• The passport must be valid for at least six months.• The minimum age of applicants should be 18 years old, if they are travelling without their parents. • Passport photo with white background.• Passport copy.• UAE residence visa page copy On the homepage, click on the 'Visit' category and select the following options from the drop-down menu:• Select 'tourism' as the purpose of the visit.• Enter your nationality.• Select 'Valid residence in the GCC countries (No less than three months)' from the drop-down on 'Show Eligible Visas'. You will be provided with two options – transit visa and Electronic Visa (e-visa). Click on 'Apply Now' under the eVisa option. Based on the details you provided in step one, your nationality and GCC residency will be automatically filled in. Select the visa type (single or multiple) and the duration. You must enter the following details:• Enter the expected date of arrival in Saudi Arabia.• Enter the country of residence.• Select the nearest embassy to you – Abu Dhabi or can also enter the transport mode and port of entry, but these are optional entries. Click on 'Next'. • Type in your full name exactly as it is stated on your passport.• Enter your mobile number and address.• Enter your gender and marital status.• You can enter your occupation, but this is optional. You also have the option to select 'I do not work at the moment'.• Enter your occupation title – this is mandatory. If you selected the 'I do not work at the moment' option, you do not need to enter anything.• Enter your date of birth. Next, answer the question –'What do you plan on doing during your stay?' but this is optional. You can select Umrah, leisure or visit friends and family from the drop-down menu. Then, upload a recent, coloured passport-sized photograph with a white background. When you are uploading the photo, it must meet the following requirements:• Photo size – 35x45mm• Use a plain background• Face the camera directly with your head straight• Neutral facial expression.• No smiling and mouth should be closed• Ensure proper lighting to avoid shadows• Dress appropriately for the visa applicationYou must upload the photograph in PNG or JPEG format, with the maximum file size being 5MB. • Upload your passport copy scan.• Select your passport type.• Enter your passport number.• Select the country of issuance.• Enter plate of birth.• Enter the passport issue and expiry date. • Upload your UAE residency visa – to find out how to access a digital copy of your UAE residency visa, click here.• Enter your visa number.• Enter your UAE residence visa expiry date.• Enter the emirate you reside in and your address. Once that is complete, click on 'Agree' for the terms and conditions. Then, review the details in your application and click 'Next'. • Next, answer a few questions for the medical insurance coverage by selecting 'yes' or 'no'.• Click 'Next' and select a medical insurance provider in Saudi Arabia. You will also be able to view the cost of each provider. Once you have selected a medical insurance company, you will be able to review the cost of the visa application, including the insurance cost. Click on 'Pay Now' and pay for the application online with your credit or debit card. After the payment is confirmed, you will receive a transaction number to track the application. To track the status, visit and select 'Track Application' and enter your transaction number or passport number. If you have any questions about the status of your application, you can also contact the call centre – +966 920011114 • $81 (Dh297.48) for visa fees• $10.50 (Dh38.5) for application fees Medical coverage for the eVisa can range from $7.50 (Dh27.54) to $252.04 (Dh925.65). According to while GCC residents can expect their visa to be issued instantly, in general the issuance of a visa can take up to three working days. Once the visa application is accepted, you will receive eVisa via email.

Ministry Of Hajj Suspends 7 Umrah Companies Over Transport Violations
Ministry Of Hajj Suspends 7 Umrah Companies Over Transport Violations

Gulf Insider

time4 days ago

  • Gulf Insider

Ministry Of Hajj Suspends 7 Umrah Companies Over Transport Violations

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has taken regulatory action against seven Umrah companies after detecting violations related to transportation services for pilgrims. The violations involved failure to provide transport in line with the agreed terms outlined in the companies' approved service programs. As a result, the Ministry has suspended the operations of the violating firms and liquidated their bank guarantees to fund alternative transport services for the affected pilgrims. The Ministry emphasized that these measures aim to ensure continuity of services at approved standards and to safeguard the rights of pilgrims. As part of its broader efforts to enhance service quality for pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque, the Ministry reiterated the importance of strict adherence to contractual obligations and official guidelines. It called on all Umrah companies to comply fully with approved schedules and service protocols, emphasizing that this is vital to improving overall service quality and ensuring pilgrim satisfaction throughout their stay in the Kingdom.

Saudia Plane, Carrying 442 Hajj Pilgrims, Diverts In Indonesia Following Bomb Threat
Saudia Plane, Carrying 442 Hajj Pilgrims, Diverts In Indonesia Following Bomb Threat

Gulf Insider

time4 days ago

  • Gulf Insider

Saudia Plane, Carrying 442 Hajj Pilgrims, Diverts In Indonesia Following Bomb Threat

A Saudi Arabian Airlines flight, carrying Hajj pilgrims, was diverted in the Indonesian airspace following a bomb threat on Tuesday. The Saudia flight, carrying 442 pilgrims, including 207 men and 235 women, was en route to Jakarta International Airport when it was forced to divert following a bomb threat sent via email. Saudi Airlines revealed that one of its planes received a security alert, prompting it to divert its flight from the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, Indonesia, as a precautionary measure. The Directorate General of Indonesian Civil Aviation said it received a report from Indonesia's airport operator 'regarding a bomb threat sent by an unidentified person via electronic mail.' The email at 07:30 am (0030 GMT) contained a threat to 'blow up' Saudia Airlines flight SV 5276 which was flying from the Saudi city of Jeddah to the Indonesian capital Jakarta, it said in a statement. After 10:00 am the pilot diverted the plane from its destination of Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, a city on Sumatra island in western Indonesia. 'Upon identifying security and safety threats, the pilot decided to divert the landing to the nearest airport,' said InJourney Airports, Indonesia's airport operator. The airport evacuated the pilgrims and a bomb disposal unit swept the plane for explosive devices, the aviation body said in its statement. Eng. Abdullah Al-Shahrani, director general of Corporate Communications at Saudi Airlines, said that the plane landed safely and all passengers and crew were evacuated safely. The relevant authorities conducted routine checks that confirmed the aircraft's safety. He also reassured the passengers' families and the public of the safety of all those on board and its crew.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store