Pakistan leads Umrah pilgrim numbers as 1448 season surges
Pakistan has sent the most Umrah pilgrims so far this season, ahead of Indonesia and Iraq, as Saudi Arabia records strong growth in arrivals for 1448 AH.
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Last updated: 6 Nov 2026, 7:39 AM (Saudi time)
Pakistan has sent the most Umrah pilgrims so far this season, ahead of Indonesia and Iraq, as Saudi Arabia records strong growth in arrivals for 1448 AH.
Saudi authorities have tightened the permit system for visiting the Rawdah inside the Prophet's Mosque, requiring every worshipper to book a free QR-code slot through the Nusuk app.
King Salman is hosting 1,000 Umrah pilgrims at his own expense this year through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program, with the first group of 250 from 16 countries completing their visit to Madinah and Makkah.
Saudi Arabia requires all Umrah pilgrims aged one and above to show proof of a quadrivalent ACWY meningococcal vaccine, alongside new heat-safety measures for the summer season.
Saudi Arabia has introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for one year, allowing pilgrims a cumulative stay of up to 90 days across several visits.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has published an official Umrah and Visit Guide in sixteen languages, offering step-by-step instructions from pre-travel preparation through the performance of the rituals.
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