Daijiworld Media Network- Riyadh
Riyadh, Jun 10: Just days after the successful conclusion of one of the most smoothly conducted Hajj seasons in recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially resumed the issuance of Umrah visas from Tuesday, June 10 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH), the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed.
The first international batch of Umrah pilgrims is scheduled to arrive in the Kingdom on Wednesday, June 11, kicking off a new cycle of year-round spiritual visits to the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah.
This year’s Hajj pilgrimage, which concluded in early June, saw over 1.6 million pilgrims from 71 countries participating. With minimal disruptions and efficient crowd management, Saudi Arabia has been widely praised for its logistical excellence and robust safety protocols. The operational scale included:
• 3,314 flights managed by 62 airlines
• Connections to 238 cities worldwide
• A comprehensive public safety campaign
The smooth conclusion of Hajj has allowed the Ministry to confidently re-open the Umrah visa window without delay.
To ensure a smooth entry experience, Umrah companies and international travel agents were required to finalize service agreements by May 27. These contracts include provisions for pilgrims' accommodation, transportation, and on-ground assistance, which are part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the overall pilgrim experience.
As per tradition, Saudi Arabia pauses Umrah visa issuance in the weeks leading up to Hajj. This allows the government to fully dedicate its resources and personnel to managing the intense logistics of Hajj, ensuring:
• Uninterrupted execution of the main pilgrimage
• Enhanced safety for millions of pilgrims
• Efficient use of healthcare and security infrastructure
As Umrah resumes, the Ministry has announced that further updates will be issued regarding:
• Pilgrim quotas based on country-specific allocations
• Health and travel protocols
• Entry procedures and e-visa access
The new Umrah season extends well into 1447 Hijri (2026), and pilgrims are encouraged to coordinate closely with approved travel operators for a smooth journey.
Saudi Arabia is expected to incorporate learnings from Hajj 2025 into the ongoing modernization of the Umrah process. With state-of-the-art digital platforms and real-time service coordination, the Kingdom aims to provide a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for all pilgrims.
Pilgrims from India and other countries are advised to monitor official Ministry portals and consult authorized agents for the latest guidelines and travel arrangements.