Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey for Muslims, and thousands of residents from the UAE travel to Saudi Arabia every year to fulfill this sacred duty. Recently, however, Saudi authorities have introduced new rules that directly impact pilgrims. Under the updated regulations, all Umrah pilgrims must now pre-book their accommodation and transportation at the time of applying for their Umrah visa.
This move aims to streamline travel, ensure safety, and regulate the movement of pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah. For UAE residents, understanding these rules is crucial before making any plans, especially when you begin to book flight tickets and arrange your complete Umrah package.
Why Have the New Rules Been Introduced?
The Saudi authorities have tightened measures in response to increasing concerns around unlicensed taxi services and unregulated stays near the holy sites. To address these challenges, the government has linked Umrah visas directly with hotel and transportation bookings.
At airports such as Jeddah and Madinah, officials are checking documents carefully. Pilgrims must arrive with:
- A valid Umrah visa
- Confirmed hotel bookings registered with the Hajj and Umrah authorities
- Licensed transportation arrangements, either prepaid taxis booked via the official portal or tickets for the Haramain Express high-speed rail
This step is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader campaign to enhance pilgrim experiences while curbing unauthorized services.
What Does This Mean for UAE Pilgrims?
For those planning Umrah from the UAE, the process is now slightly different. Pilgrims can no longer apply for the visa alone. Instead, they must include their hotel and transport details in their visa application.
According to Shihab Parwad of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism, “If you plan to perform Umrah now, you must apply for the visa and have your transportation to the holy cities and sites, as well as your accommodation, pre-booked.”
Security Checks at Airports
If you are traveling to Makkah via Jeddah, security officers will verify your bookings. While individuals may not be directly penalized for missing bookings, operators and aggregators face fines or system blockages if their clients arrive without complete arrangements.
Digital Integration Through Nusuk and Masar
Saudi Arabia has integrated these requirements into its official digital platforms.
- Masar System: When applying for an Umrah visa, accommodation and transport bookings must be uploaded into Masar.
- Nusuk App: This user-friendly app allows pilgrims to book hotels and licensed transport, making the process seamless and transparent.
Travel companies in the UAE highlight that only hotels registered with the Hajj and Umrah authorities are eligible. Similarly, only prepaid taxis through the official Nusuk portal or the Haramain Express rail tickets will be accepted.
Why Pre-Booking Is Essential
Pre-booking is now not just a recommendation but a requirement. Here’s why it matters:
1. Avoid Travel Delays – Without confirmed bookings, pilgrims may face delays at Jeddah or Madinah airports.
2. Ensure Compliance – Operators risk fines, and in some cases, system restrictions, if rules are not followed.
3. Smooth Experience – Having transport and accommodation arranged ensures peace of mind and a focus on the spiritual journey.
4. Prevent Misuse – The new rules are designed to stop illegal taxis and unregulated accommodation services, keeping pilgrims safe.
Can You Travel on a Tourist Visa?
Some travelers attempt to perform Umrah using a Saudi tourist visa. However, this is strongly discouraged. As Qaiser Mahmood of ASAA Tourism notes, pilgrims on tourist visas will face restrictions. For example, entry to Riyaz ul Jannah will not be permitted without an official Umrah visa.
Therefore, UAE residents should always apply for a dedicated Umrah visa, which now includes mandatory hotel and transport pre-bookings.
Cost of an Umrah Visa
Currently, the cost of an Umrah visa for UAE residents starts at Dh750, though this amount can vary depending on nationality. Importantly, since transport and accommodation bookings are now integrated into the application process, overall travel expenses must be considered carefully.
Key Takeaways for UAE Residents
To ensure a smooth Umrah journey under the new rules, UAE pilgrims should follow these steps:
- Book Flights, Hotels, and Transport Together – Submit all arrangements when applying for the Umrah visa.
- Use Official Platforms – Rely on the Nusuk App or Masar system to secure government-approved hotels and transport.
- Keep Documents Handy – At Jeddah or Madinah airports, be ready to present all booking confirmations.
- Avoid Tourist Visas – Always choose the Umrah visa to gain full access to the holy sites.
- Rely on Licensed Operators – Work with trusted travel agencies such as Akbar Travels to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.
How Akbar Travels Can Help
At Akbar Travels, we understand that preparing for Umrah is more than just booking a trip—it is a spiritual milestone. With the new rules in place, our dedicated Umrah services for UAE residents ensure:
- Complete Visa Processing including integrated hotel and transport bookings
- Wide Range of Hotel Options in Makkah and Madinah registered with the Hajj and Umrah authorities
- Officially Licensed Transport including prepaid taxis and Haramain Express tickets
- Personalized Support from experienced consultants familiar with the updated regulations
By booking with Akbar Travels, UAE pilgrims can rest assured that all requirements are met, avoiding delays, penalties, or complications.
The new Umrah rules mark an important change in how UAE residents plan their pilgrimage. While the process now requires more preparation, it ultimately ensures smoother, safer, and more organized travel for every pilgrim.
If you are planning Umrah soon, make sure you pre-book your flights, hotels, and transportation through trusted partners. At Akbar Travels, we are here to guide you at every step, making your journey to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah both spiritually fulfilling and hassle-free.
