Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Sep 2026, 11:04 AM (Saudi time)
Iran has resumed sending Umrah pilgrims to Saudi Arabia after a six-month suspension, with 18,000 travelling in the first phase while about five million voucher holders remain on a waiting list.
Saudi Arabia's Hajj and Umrah ministry says there are no new requirements for Umrah pilgrims from over 170 countries, while expanding digital services and suspending underperforming companies.
Saudi Arabia's multiple-entry Umrah visa is valid for 365 days with a 90-day total stay, but pilgrims must still book a Nusuk package and obtain a permit for every visit.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched Direct Umrah, letting pilgrims book Umrah packages online through licensed platforms including Wego, ShareTrip and Wakanow. The service is part of a wider digital shift centred on the Nusuk app.
Saudi Arabia's official Nusuk app has added spiritual, navigation and health tools plus a zero-data offline mode, and now serves pilgrims from more than 100 countries with over 120 services.
Pakistan has extended to 25 September the deadline for Umrah pilgrims leaving Karachi to hold digitally verified vaccination certificates, after airport officials sought more time to implement the NADRA-linked system.
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