International Umrah arrivals to Saudi Arabia rose by 22.5 percent this season, with more than 1.27 million pilgrims entering the Kingdom to visit the two holy cities. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program released the figures in mid-July, covering the period from the start of the season on Dhul Hijjah 15 to the end of Muharram. The rise points to sustained global demand for the lesser pilgrimage, which can be performed at any time of year.

What the numbers show

The ministry reported that total international arrivals for Umrah exceeded 1.27 million pilgrims during the measured window. That represents a 22.5 percent increase compared with the same stretch a year earlier.

Three countries led the arrivals. According to the ministry, Pakistan sent the highest number of pilgrims at 200,000, followed by Indonesia with 170,000 and Iraq with 130,000. The figures reflect the long-standing strength of Umrah travel from South and Southeast Asia, where large Muslim populations combine with well-established travel operators.

Air travel dominated the journey. The ministry said 75 percent of pilgrims arrived by air, underlining the role of Jeddah and Madinah airports as the main gateways for the pilgrimage. The remaining arrivals came through land and sea routes.

Why arrivals are rising

Saudi authorities attributed the increase to several factors working together. The ministry cited leadership support, coordination between government agencies, and the ongoing development of digital and operational services aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

Much of that development has centred on the Nusuk platform, the Kingdom's digital system for booking Umrah visas, permits and service packages without intermediaries. Pilgrims can now plan large parts of their trip online, from visa issuance to accommodation and transport. The ministry has said it will continue to upgrade the digital accessibility and operational efficiency of the Umrah system to deliver a more convenient experience from planning through to departure.

The Kingdom has also widened access in recent years. Umrah is no longer limited to dedicated pilgrimage visas, and holders of certain tourist and visit visas can perform the rite. A newly introduced one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, valid for 365 days with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days, is expected to support further growth in the seasons ahead.

Part of a longer trend

The season's growth fits a broader pattern. Saudi Arabia has set ambitious long-term targets for pilgrim numbers under Vision 2030, aiming to welcome tens of millions of Umrah performers each year. Record single-day figures during Ramadan, when demand peaks, have repeatedly been reported in recent seasons.

Handling these volumes places heavy demands on infrastructure. The Grand Mosque in Makkah has undergone expansion work to increase capacity and reduce crowding in the Mataf, the area around the Ka'bah where pilgrims perform Tawaf. Transport links, including the Haramain high-speed railway between Makkah and Madinah, help move large numbers of pilgrims quickly between the holy cities.

Practical guidance for pilgrims

Pilgrims planning Umrah in the coming months should keep a few practical points in mind. Book early through official channels. The Nusuk platform is the primary route for visas, permits and service packages, and booking ahead helps secure preferred dates and accommodation, especially during busy periods.

  • Check visa validity and entry windows. Umrah visas carry specific issuance and entry deadlines each season. Confirm the current dates before booking flights.
  • Secure a permit before travel where required. Entry to the Grand Mosque for Umrah and access to Al-Rawdah in Madinah are managed through Nusuk permits. Arrange these in advance.
  • Plan for peak times. Ramadan and weekends draw the largest crowds. Traveling outside these windows can mean a calmer experience.
  • Prepare travel documents fully. Ensure passports, vaccination records and return bookings are in order before departure to avoid delays at the airport.

With arrivals rising and the season calendar now set, pilgrims who prepare early and use official systems are best placed to perform their rites in comfort. The ministry has signalled that further digital upgrades are on the way as the Kingdom works to serve growing numbers of the guests of Allah.