Saudi Arabia Sets April 29 Deadline for Umrah Pilgrims
Mecca, Saudi Arabia — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has officially declared that all foreign Umrah pilgrims must leave the Kingdom by April 29, 2025. This announcement comes as part of the Kingdom’s yearly preparations for the Hajj season, which is expected to begin in mid-June 2025.
According to officials, this rule is meant to ensure that there is no overlap or congestion between Umrah pilgrims and those arriving for Hajj. The move also allows authorities to begin logistical arrangements and security protocols for the Hajj season in advance.
The Ministry has clarified that Umrah visas are valid for 90 days from the date they are issued, not from the date pilgrims enter the country. This means anyone who received their visa earlier in the year must calculate their 90-day stay carefully and make sure they exit before the expiration date.
Authorities strongly advise pilgrims to double-check their visa issue date and ensure they leave the country on time to avoid penalties, fines, or future travel bans. Overstaying a visa is considered a violation of Saudi immigration laws.
Important Visa and Health Guidelines for 2025 Umrah Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia has made several updates to both visa conditions and health requirements for pilgrims entering the country for religious reasons. These updates are intended to streamline the process and protect public health amid global concerns over infectious diseases.
Here’s a breakdown of the key changes every pilgrim should know:
1. Visa Validity
Umrah visas are now valid for three months (90 days) from the date of issuance, not from the travel or arrival date. This rule is strictly enforced, and failure to comply may lead to fines or a ban from future pilgrimages.
2. Mandatory Health Insurance
All Umrah and visit visa holders must now show proof of health insurance. This insurance must cover emergency medical services, hospitalization, infectious diseases including COVID-19, and general medical treatment. This requirement is to ensure that pilgrims can access care without financial burden during their stay.
3. Vaccination Requirements
Before entry, pilgrims must show valid proof of the following vaccinations:
- COVID-19 (full course, as per WHO standards)
- Meningitis (ACWY strain, required for all pilgrims)
- Seasonal Flu (highly recommended)
These certificates must be issued by authorized health centers and are checked during the visa application process or upon arrival at Saudi airports.
4. Health Screening at Entry Points
Saudi Arabia has also improved its health inspection protocols. At airports and border crossings, pilgrims undergo screenings to detect symptoms of infectious diseases. These procedures include temperature checks, health questionnaires, and possible isolation or medical testing if symptoms are observed. The country aims to minimize public health risks during the holy season when millions of people gather in close proximity.
Performing Umrah with Other Types of Visas
In a positive move for international travelers, the Saudi government has allowed Umrah to be performed by individuals holding different types of valid visas, such as:
- Tourist Visas
- Family Visit Visas
- Business or Transit Visas
- Personal Visit Visas
- e-Visas issued via the Nusuk platform
As long as the visa holder is legally in the Kingdom and their visa is valid, they may perform Umrah rituals. However, they must book an official time slot using the Nusuk mobile app, which manages crowd control at the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) in Mecca.
This flexibility has opened the doors for more Muslims around the world to visit the holy sites without needing a specific Umrah visa.
Preparing for the Hajj Season
With Hajj expected to begin around mid-June 2025, Saudi Arabia is actively managing the flow of pilgrims. Officials from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have said that early organization is crucial to ensuring the safety, comfort, and religious fulfillment of all pilgrims.
Every year, millions of Muslims from over 150 countries travel to Mecca for Hajj. To accommodate them properly, the Saudi government needs time to organize logistics and housing, assign Hajj quotas to each country, conduct health and safety inspections, train volunteers and staff, and prepare transportation routes.
Allowing Umrah pilgrims to stay too close to the Hajj period would not only strain these resources but could also cause confusion and overcrowding.
What Pilgrims Should Do Now
If you’re currently in Saudi Arabia for Umrah or planning to go soon, here are some recommended steps:
- Check your visa issue date and calculate the 90-day expiry deadline.
- Book your return flight before April 29, or earlier if your visa expires before that date.
- Make sure your travel insurance is valid and up to date.
- Keep vaccination certificates with you at all times.
- Download the Nusuk app to schedule Umrah rituals and stay informed about prayer times and health alerts.
- Stay in contact with your tour operator or embassy in case of emergency or travel changes.
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia’s decision to set an April 29 departure deadline for foreign Umrah pilgrims reflects its commitment to managing religious pilgrimages in a safe and organized way. These steps are part of a broader strategy to maintain public health, ease crowding, and ensure smooth preparations for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Pilgrims and travel agencies are encouraged to stay informed, comply with the guidelines, and respect the country’s rules as they fulfill one of Islam’s most cherished acts of worship.
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