International Umrah arrivals have climbed sharply this season, according to figures released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The ministry, working with the Pilgrim Experience Program, reported a 22.5 percent increase in Umrah visa arrivals compared with the same period a year earlier, with the total passing 1.27 million pilgrims.
The count covers the opening stretch of the season, measured from the middle of Dhul Hijjah to the end of Muharram. Officials framed the rise as evidence that recent changes to visas, digital booking and on-the-ground services are drawing more visitors to Makkah and Madinah.
Who is arriving, and how
According to the ministry, three countries accounted for the largest share of arrivals. Pakistan sent the highest number of pilgrims at roughly 200,000, followed by Indonesia with about 170,000 and Iraq with around 130,000. Together these three nations made up a substantial portion of the season's early total.
Air travel dominated the journey to the Kingdom. The ministry said 75 percent of pilgrims arrived by air, underlining the role of Jeddah and Madinah airports as the main gateways for Umrah. The remainder entered by land and sea routes.
The ministry attributed the growth to leadership support, closer coordination between government agencies, and the continued development of digital and operational services. These efforts are tied to Saudi Vision 2030, which sets ambitious targets for the number of pilgrims the Kingdom aims to welcome each year.
What is driving the increase
Saudi authorities have spent recent seasons reshaping how Umrah is booked and managed. The Nusuk platform now allows pilgrims outside the Kingdom to apply for a visa and arrange accommodation, transport and services in one place. A requirement to confirm bookings before a visa is issued has been introduced to reduce confusion on arrival.
Officials say these steps have made planning simpler and helped spread arrivals more evenly across the season. The ministry added that it would keep upgrading the digital accessibility and operational efficiency of the Umrah system, aiming to smooth the experience from the first planning stage through to departure.
Continuous evaluation of service providers has run alongside the growth. The ministry has repeatedly stated that it monitors companies serving pilgrims and acts against those that fall short, part of a broader push to protect service quality as numbers rise.
What it means for pilgrims
Higher arrival numbers point to busier conditions at the Grand Mosque, particularly around the Mataf where Tawaf is performed. Pilgrims planning a visit should expect crowds during peak hours and allow extra time for movement between the holy sites.
For those preparing to travel, a few practical points follow from the season's figures. First, book early through Nusuk, since confirmed accommodation and transport are needed before a visa is granted. Second, keep a passport valid well beyond the intended travel dates and check the latest entry and exit deadlines for the season. Third, consider performing Tawaf and Sai during quieter windows, such as after Fajr on weekdays, to avoid the heaviest congestion.
Pilgrims are also encouraged to follow official guidance issued through the Nusuk app and ministry channels, which now include multilingual support and real-time information on crowd levels at the Haram. Planning around these tools can make a visit calmer and safer, especially for elderly travellers and families.
The ministry said the season remains under way and that it expects arrivals to continue as it works to accommodate the rising demand for Umrah from around the world.