The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has released an official "Umrah and Visit Guide" on its website, offering pilgrims a single, structured reference for planning and performing Umrah. According to reports, the guide has been published in sixteen languages, including Arabic, Urdu and English, in a move aimed at making reliable information accessible to pilgrims worldwide.
The guide arrives during a season of record demand. Saudi Arabia recently reported a 22.5 percent rise in Umrah arrivals during the opening weeks of the 1448 AH season, and authorities have introduced a series of new rules and digital requirements. A consolidated official guide is intended to help pilgrims navigate these changes with fewer misunderstandings.
What the guide covers
The Umrah and Visit Guide provides integrated instructions covering the various stages of the journey. It begins with pre-travel preparation and visa procedures, then addresses entry requirements to the Kingdom, before moving on to ihram and the performance of the Umrah rituals themselves. By presenting the full journey in one place, the Ministry aims to reduce reliance on unofficial and sometimes inaccurate sources.
Publishing in sixteen languages is a notable feature. Umrah draws pilgrims from every corner of the Muslim world, many of whom do not read Arabic or English. Offering the guide in widely spoken languages such as Urdu, alongside others, is designed to ensure that pilgrims can understand the requirements and rituals in their own tongue.
A season of new rules
The guide is being released against the backdrop of significant procedural changes for the current season. The Ministry has reduced the validity of an Umrah entry visa, which now expires 30 days after issuance if the holder does not enter Saudi Arabia within that window. Pilgrims also cannot be issued an Umrah visa until confirmed hotel and transport bookings are logged in the Nusuk platform.
Registration on Nusuk has become a universal requirement, with no country-based exemptions. At the Grand Mosque, digital indicators now guide worshippers to available prayer areas, showing green for open access and red for full capacity, while permits for certain activities are increasingly tied to the Nusuk app. An official guide helps pilgrims understand how these digital systems fit together before they travel.
Practical tips for pilgrims
Pilgrims are encouraged to consult the official guide on the Ministry's website early in their planning, and to treat it as the primary reference rather than unofficial social media posts. Reading the sections on visas and entry requirements before booking can prevent costly mistakes, particularly given the shortened visa validity window.
It is wise to complete Nusuk registration and confirm hotel and transport bookings well in advance, since a visa cannot be issued without them. Pilgrims should also review the ritual sections of the guide before departure so they arrive confident in the steps of Umrah. Those travelling from countries with specific health or documentation requirements should verify these details through official channels, and keep digital and printed copies of key documents accessible throughout the journey.