Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 22 Sep 2026, 9:49 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported a 22.5 percent rise in Umrah visa arrivals, with international pilgrims exceeding 1.27 million. Pakistan, Indonesia and Iraq sent the largest groups.
Saudi Arabia has introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for 365 days with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days, managed entirely through the Nusuk platform.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has cut the Umrah entry visa validity to 30 days, made confirmed Nusuk hotel and transport bookings a precondition for a visa, and confirmed all visa types can perform Umrah for the 1448 AH season.
Saudi Public Security has reiterated that Hajj and Umrah companies face fines of up to SR100,000, rising with the number of cases, for failing to report pilgrims who overstay their permitted period.
Saudi Arabia's National Centre for Meteorology forecasts a hotter-than-normal August with stronger winds and dust, prompting heat-safety guidance for Umrah pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.
Saudi Arabia has introduced a one-year, multiple-entry Umrah visa allowing pilgrims to enter the Kingdom repeatedly with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days, managed through the Nusuk platform.
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