Umrah service providers in the UAE are advising pilgrims to book their transportation and accommodation in advance when applying for visas, as Saudi officials implement stricter controls on pilgrim movement.
Industry experts highlight that this advisory comes in light of more rigorous checks at Jeddah and Madinah airports, where authorities are confirming that pilgrims arrive with an Umrah visa, secured hotel reservations, and authorized transportation.
Shihab Parwad from Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism informed Khaleej Times that the updated regulations necessitate pilgrims to organize transport and lodging at the visa application stage.
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“If you’re planning an Umrah pilgrimage now, you must apply for your visa and have your transit to the holy cities and accommodations pre-arranged,” Shihab stated.
“When traveling to Makkah via Jeddah, officials will verify your bookings,” he elaborated, adding that although pilgrims might still travel without pre-bookings, the Umrah service provider could face penalties or system restrictions.
These conditions are part of Saudi Arabia’s initiative to eliminate unauthorized taxi services near airports and pilgrimage routes. Only pre-booked taxis through the official portal or tickets for the Haramain Express high-speed train are recognized as valid transport.
“Transportation must be pre-booked, whether it’s taxis or the Haramain Express. Similar arrangements should be made for travel to Madinah,” Shihab advised.
Optimizing Pilgrim Travel
Travel firms noted that these regulations are designed to optimize pilgrim travel and ensure compliance with legal requirements. Although individual pilgrims won’t face penalties, service providers risk financial sanctions and operational hurdles if their clients appear without confirmed bookings.
Qaiser Mahmood from ASAA Tourism in Abu Hail emphasized that the process has been integrated into Saudi Arabia’s digital platforms. “When applying for an Umrah visa, you must include hotel and transport plans in the system called ‘Masar,’ accessible via the ‘Nusuk App.’ Hotels must be registered with the Hajj and Umrah authorities, and taxis must be booked through the Nusuk-approved portal,” Mahmood clarified.
He also warned against attempting Umrah on a tourist visa, as pilgrims without the correct Umrah visa might be barred from key religious sites. “Entry to Riyaz ul Jannah will be denied on a tourist visa,” he warned.
Currently, Umrah visa costs begin at Dh750, though they differ by nationality. Mahmood mentioned that transportation and hotel booking requirements are now part of the visa application, ensuring all pilgrims enter the Kingdom fully prepared.
For UAE residents planning a trip, service providers strongly advise finalizing all bookings — including flights, accommodations, and transport — when applying for a visa to avoid potential delays or issues.
