The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched Direct Umrah, a digital service that allows pilgrims inside Saudi Arabia and those travelling from abroad to arrange Umrah packages online. According to the ministry, the service opened on September 15, 2026, and provides a single booking route that links both groups with packages from approved providers through authorized travel platforms.
The move extends the ministry's push to move Umrah planning onto verified digital channels. Pilgrims can now browse options, compare services and prices, and complete their bookings without relying on informal agents.
How Direct Umrah works
Direct Umrah connects pilgrims to a shared list of approved packages. Users can examine each package's services, costs and conditions before they commit. Once they select an available option, they complete the booking digitally through their chosen platform.
The ministry named ShareTrip, Wakanow, Bookme, Wego and Almatar among the participating platforms. Each lists Umrah and visit packages that pilgrims can review side by side.
The service covers two broad categories. The first includes packages that do not carry an Umrah visa, aimed at pilgrims who already hold valid entry through another route. The second includes comprehensive packages that may bundle a visa, flights, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, meals, intercity transport and guidance. The ministry stressed that inclusions vary by package, so pilgrims should read the details of each offer carefully.
Part of a wider digital shift
Direct Umrah sits alongside the Nusuk platform, which the ministry has made central to Umrah planning. Under current rules, an Umrah permit is issued only when a pilgrim holds a confirmed, Nusuk-linked booking, even when the pilgrim already carries a valid visa. Booking approved packages through official channels helps pilgrims meet that requirement and reduces the risk of falling for fraudulent offers.
The ministry has repeatedly warned pilgrims to deal only with licensed providers. Reports of Umrah visa fraud have prompted several countries to issue advisories, and investigators have worked to recover funds lost by victims. A verified booking route addresses that problem at the source by keeping transactions within a supervised system.
Who benefits
For overseas pilgrims, Direct Umrah offers a way to organize an entire trip before departure, with the confidence that providers are approved. For residents inside the Kingdom, it simplifies planning a visit to the two holy cities. The ministry described the service as a way to give both groups equal access to the same approved packages.
The current Umrah season runs on the 1448 AH calendar. Umrah visa issuance resumed on May 31, 2026, and pilgrims began entering Makkah on June 1, 2026. The season is scheduled to close in the spring of 2027, with the final visas issued in early March.
Practical tips for pilgrims
Pilgrims planning an Umrah journey can keep a few points in mind when using the new service. First, confirm that any platform is on the ministry's approved list before entering personal or payment details. Second, read the full inclusions of a package, since visa, transport and meal coverage differ from one offer to another. Third, ensure that the booking generates a valid Nusuk-linked reference, as this is required before an Umrah permit can be issued.
It also helps to book early during peak periods, as accommodation near the Haram and seats on the Haramain high-speed railway fill quickly. Pilgrims should verify that their passport and any required health documents remain valid for the full duration of the trip. For official details, the ministry directs pilgrims to its Umrah page at haj.gov.sa.
As with all pilgrimage arrangements, pilgrims are advised to confirm current requirements directly with official Saudi sources before travelling, since rules can change between seasons.