Saudi Arabia has suspended the contracts of 1,800 foreign Umrah travel agencies following a performance review by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The affected agencies are part of an estimated 5,800 firms currently operating in the Umrah sector.
The ministry explained that the suspension followed a periodic evaluation that revealed shortcomings in service delivery and overall performance. Affected agencies have been given a 10-day grace period to address the identified deficiencies and align with approved operational standards.
According to the ministry, the suspension applies only to the issuance of new Umrah visas. Agencies that meet the required standards within the grace period will have their contracts reinstated. Pilgrims who already hold valid visas or have confirmed bookings will not be affected, and their services will continue without interruption.
Ministry spokesperson Ghassan Alnwaimi stated that stricter regulatory action would be taken against any agency that fails to correct its deficiencies within the specified timeframe. He added that the ministry will continue to strengthen monitoring and evaluation measures to improve service quality across the Umrah sector and protect the rights of pilgrims.
Umrah Agency Requirements
All Umrah travel agencies must be officially authorised by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Umrah packages are required to be booked and verified through the Nusuk platform, ensuring confirmed accommodation and approved transportation arrangements before travel.
From 2026, agencies will be required to strictly manage pilgrims’ documentation, including passports with a minimum validity of six months, valid Umrah visas, and mandatory health insurance. These measures are aimed at improving compliance, safety, and the overall pilgrimage experience.
Umrah Visa Validity Rules
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reduced the entry validity period of the Umrah visa to 30 days from the date of issuance. Pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia within this period or the visa will be cancelled, requiring a fresh application.
Once entry is granted, pilgrims may stay in the Kingdom for up to 90 days, allowing sufficient time for Umrah and travel within Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims are also required to obtain an Umrah permit through the official Nusuk application prior to entry. The app manages bookings, ritual scheduling, and QR-code authorisation for access to the holy mosques. Entry into Masjid Al Haram and Masjid An-Nabawi is not permitted without a valid Nusuk permit.
Saudi Arabia now mandates confirmed bookings linked to every Umrah visa application. These include licensed hotel accommodation, ground transportation, and round-trip flight tickets. Visas will only be issued upon verification of a Booking Reference Number (BRN) confirming all required arrangements.
2026 Umrah Cut-Off Dates
As the Umrah season must conclude before the commencement of Hajj, the Saudi government has announced firm deadlines for 2026:
-
Last date for Umrah visa issuance: March 20, 2026
-
Final entry date for pilgrims: April 3, 2026
-
Mandatory exit date: April 18, 2026
Pilgrims and travel agencies have been advised to adhere strictly to these timelines, as failure to comply may result in entry denial or overstay penalties.
