Saudi Arabia Suspends 21 Umrah Companies Over Service Failures
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah suspended 21 Umrah service companies on June 13, 2026, citing poor performance and regulatory violations as it tightens standards across the sector.
Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 27 Jul 2026, 12:22 PM (Saudi time)
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah suspended 21 Umrah service companies on June 13, 2026, citing poor performance and regulatory violations as it tightens standards across the sector.
Saudi Arabia's official Nusuk pilgrimage app has passed 51 million users across more than 190 countries, consolidating over 130 services for Hajj and Umrah travellers.
New carriers and routes, including a flynas Jeddah-Rabat link, Mukhtara Air in Indonesia and resumed Uzbekistan flights, are expanding air access for Umrah pilgrims in the 2026 season.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set the key dates for the 1448 AH Umrah season and reminded pilgrims that visa holders must now enter the Kingdom within a shorter window after issuance.
Saudi statistics show more than 11.2 million pilgrims performed Umrah in the fourth quarter of 2025, split almost evenly between visitors from abroad and worshippers already inside the Kingdom.
Pilgrims can now perform Umrah on tourist, transit, business and other valid Saudi visas as the 1448 AH season opens, though Nusuk bookings and a 30-day visa window apply.
New Saudi visa lets Umrah pilgrims visit multiple times within a year Euronews.com
Saudi Arabia's New Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa 2026: A Complete Guide to Validity, Rules and How to Apply Wego Travel Blog
Saudi Arabia Records Massive Umrah Religious Tourism Surge in 2026 as New Multiple-Entry Visa Policy Eases Access for Pilgrims from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Egypt, and Iraq: New Travel Alert Nomad Lawyer
Saudi Arabia launches multiple-entry Umrah visa - The Jordan News Agency وكالة الانباء الاردنية
Saudi Arabia introduces year-long multiple-entry Umrah visa The Arab Weekly
Saudi Arabia Ignites a New Era of Religious Travel as Makkah and Madinah Welcome Global Pilgrims with One Year Multiple Entry Umrah Visa, Flexible Ninety Day Stay and Easier Access to the Kingdom Travel And Tour World