Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Pilgrims luggage must be free of prohibited items: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
To keep the Umrah journey trouble-free, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has asked that pilgrims check their bags for prohibited items before setting off on their Umrah journey. Trending: MOH recommends Meningitis vaccination for performing Umrah during Ramadan
In a recent advisory, the ministry listed some goods that are strictly forbidden: fireworks, fake money, drugs that have not been registered, gadgets that can be used to listen in on conversations, radar detectors, electric tasers, laser pens, and hidden cameras.
The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority website (ZATCA.GOV.SA) has a list of forbidden items that the Ministry of Transport has stressed is important for a trouble-free trip.
In light of the record-breaking rise in Umrah pilgrimage numbers this year, 750,000 per month, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has decided to modify the duration of the Umrah visa, effective Muharram (the first month of the new year).
The reason behind the change is that new regulations and procedures were required to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. According to the information that was officially released by the appropriate authorities.
To accommodate all Muslims, the Saudi government and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have chosen to allow them to perform the Umrah approximately fifteen days early this year. Most Viewed: Free luggage storage at the courtyards of Makkah Grand Mosque
Notably, all the authorities in charge of Umrah are making tremendous efforts to ensure the comfort of pilgrims, and this adjustment permits a huge number of pilgrims to undertake Umrah in wonderful natural settings.
Improving the infrastructure of the holy cities, streamlining the processes for issuing Umrah visas, ensuring the health and safety of all visitors, providing transportation and logistics services, and so on are all capabilities and procedures provided by the Kingdom government that prepare the opportunity for pilgrims.
Preparations to welcome pilgrims from throughout the globe have been proceeding since the conclusion of the Hajj season in 2024, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. It is also stepping up these preparations to accommodate the greatest possible number of pilgrims. Importantly, these plans have thought of everything, which are.
* Making sure that pilgrims have access to comfortable, air-conditioned transportation on their way from Makkah to Madina.
* Also offering ports for both land and air travel. Read: Smart Golf carts introduced for Tawaf Holy Kaaba during Umrah
* Collaborating with the Saudi Moroor, the General Directorate of Traffic, to regulate traffic.
* Meeting the demands of pilgrims by providing high-level service in hotels and residential apartments.
* Providing staff and training operational cadres to provide first-rate service and accommodate pilgrims of all nationalities.
* Companies that specialize in Umrah are prepared to offer first-rate services. Join Saudi Expatriates channel on Telegram
How long is the Umrah season?
Umrah must be completed no later than 15th Dhul Qidah annually, prior to the beginning of Hajj preparations, as stated by the Ministry.
Does Saudi Arabia permit pilgrims to work?
The pilgrim must not be employed by any organization, regardless of its name.
Would it be possible to get an Umrah visa?
Umrah visas have been suspended for some countries, including Egypt. The change is due to the Hajj crisis that happened last year, which resulted in the deaths of many pilgrims. Like and Follow Saudi Expatriates page on Facebook
Pilgrims luggage must be free of prohibited items: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
