Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism has updated four regulations governing travel and tourism services, tourist guides, hospitality facilities and private hospitality units, in a move that carries direct implications for pilgrims arriving for Umrah and Hajj.
The ministry said the revisions are designed to keep pace with the rapid growth of tourism and evolving business models, while responding to feedback from investors, operators and beneficiaries. The updated rules and compliance requirements have been published on the ministry's official website.
Travel services and tourist guides
The updated Travel and Tourism Services Regulation simplifies licensing categories, expands the range of permitted services and offers greater operational flexibility, including several options for licence duration. It also clarifies the rights and obligations of both service providers and customers while raising overall service standards.
Under the revised Tourist Guide Regulation, licensing categories have been simplified, and guides will be able to work across multiple regions and specializations. The regulation sets out requirements for issuing and renewing licences, including approved training courses or examinations depending on the category. Guides will also be permitted to contract directly with tourists and issue booking documents, provided they clearly disclose prices along with payment, cancellation and refund policies.
Hospitality and private units
Changes to the Hospitality Facility Regulation address licensing, classification and operating procedures, as well as reservations, payments and online marketing. The updated rules strengthen security and safety requirements, workforce qualification and electronic integration, and introduce specialized categories that tie classification more closely to operational quality and service standards.
For private hospitality units, the ministry has shifted the regulatory framework from permits to licences and updated application requirements and eligible property criteria. The revised rules strengthen operational, security and safety obligations and set out clear responsibilities for service provision and tourist rights, while requiring units to remain compliant with regulations governing their use for tourism accommodation.
What officials say
Ministry of Tourism spokesperson Nasr Al-Ansari said the changes are intended to ensure the new standards are properly implemented, to improve services and visitor experiences, and to help investors and operators meet regulatory requirements. He said the ministry would continue supporting the industry through awareness initiatives, meetings and training programs aimed at developing the skills of tourism workers.
Practical notes for pilgrims
Pilgrims should book accommodation and guide services only through licensed providers, and should confirm that any private unit or guesthouse holds a valid licence under the revised framework. When dealing directly with a guide, travellers should ask for clear written pricing and understand the cancellation and refund terms before paying. The ministry said inquiries and support are available through its Unified Tourism Center on 930.