Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 5 Nov 2026, 8:32 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia has banned entry, including for Umrah pilgrims, from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan over an Ebola outbreak, with extra health screening for travellers from four nearby countries.
Saudi Arabia has expanded the Saudi Visa Bio app, letting Umrah pilgrims register fingerprints and facial data from their smartphones and removing the need to visit visa centers in supported countries.
King Salman has approved hosting 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from 66 countries as royal guests at his personal expense, beginning with 250 pilgrims from 16 Asian nations in the first of four phases during 1448 AH.
Saudi Arabia has confirmed the 1448 AH Umrah season calendar, setting March 9, 2027 as the final date for visa issuance, March 23 for pilgrim entry and April 7 for departure, alongside a reduced 30-day visa validity window.
The Nusuk platform has become mandatory for Umrah permits and now serves more than 51 million users worldwide, adding crowd alerts, offline access, and a smart pilgrim card.
As the 1448 Umrah season opens, pilgrims are reminded that Saudi Arabia requires a quadrivalent meningococcal vaccination certificate and may require polio or yellow fever proof, alongside practical health precautions for the crowded journey.
Tinubu performs Umrah in Makkah, prays for Nigeria's peace and unity Head Topics
Tinubu Departs for Makkah to Perform Umrah NigerianEye
Video: Tinubu departs Abuja for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah Vanguard News
Tinubu Departs Abuja For Makkah To Perform Umrah Head Topics
Tinubu Departs Abuja For Makkah To Perform Umrah LEADERSHIP Newspapers
Atiku Asks Presidency To Release Daily Videos Of Tinubu Performing Umrah Arise News