Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 27 Jul 2026, 6:55 PM (Saudi time)
The first of four groups under King Salman's Guests Program has reached Makkah and performed Umrah. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is hosting 1,000 pilgrims from around the world at his own expense this year.
With Makkah temperatures topping 42C, Saudi authorities are enforcing digital crowd-management and safety rules for Umrah pilgrims arriving this summer.
New Umrah rules for 2026-2027 make Nusuk registration mandatory for all pilgrims, cut entry visa validity to 30 days, and require confirmed hotel and transport bookings before a visa is issued.
Pilgrims travelling for Umrah or Hajj in 2026 must present a valid meningococcal ACWY certificate, with polio and yellow fever vaccines required for travellers from affected countries and flu vaccination strongly advised.
Saudi Arabia's 1448 AH Umrah season is under way, with visas issued from May 31, 2026, final visa issuance on March 9, 2027, last entry March 23, and departure by April 7, 2027.
EASA has warned airlines to avoid Iraqi and Iranian airspace until 31 August 2026, a measure that may lengthen and reroute flights for Umrah pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.
3 of Bangladeshi family killed in Saudi road crash on way to Umrah The Business Standard
Saudi Arabia launches new multi-entry visa for Umrah pilgrims Daily Trust
Woman, 2 children killed in Saudi road crash while travelling for Umrah Jagonews24.com
Saudi app Hudhud guides Umrah pilgrims through Makkah’s sacred and historic landscape Arab News
Saudi Arabia launches one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa for pilgrims Travel Tomorrow
Now you can get multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for one year Time Out Riyadh