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.
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