Umrah: New Safety Rules, Now Live

Saudi Arabia has unveiled crucial new guidelines for Umrah pilgrims, effective immediately, signaling a significant push to prioritize pilgrim safety and well-being. These directives, communicated this week, follow a challenging Hajj season where extreme heat led to numerous fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for stricter measures, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.

The updated rules, received by various global Hajj and Umrah bodies, focus heavily on health screenings, age considerations, and comprehensive support for pilgrims.

Key Updates for Umrah Pilgrims-

A major change mandates that all Umrah pilgrims will now be covered by insurance for medical treatment in Saudi hospitals. This ensures easy access to essential care without financial strain, addressing a critical need identified in past pilgrimages.

Furthermore, individuals with "serious illnesses" are now explicitly prohibited from traveling for Umrah. Pilgrims must undergo thorough medical check-ups and provide clear medical certificates to prevent health crises during the physically demanding journey.

For elderly pilgrims, a significant new guideline states that those aged 75 and above must be accompanied by a helper. Unaccompanied individuals in this age group will not be permitted to travel, a vital measure recognizing the physical demands of the rituals and risks from large crowds and heat. This follows the existing ban on children under 12 for Hajj, now extending focused care to the elderly for Umrah.

Pilgrims are also reminded of the importance of respecting local culture and adhering to accommodation guidelines, ensuring all bookings are made through official, licensed channels to prevent fraud and guarantee quality.

Broader Context and Ongoing Reforms

These latest Umrah guidelines build on extensive reforms implemented by Saudi Arabia over the past year, many of which were piloted during Hajj 2025 and are now being applied or adapted for Umrah.

The Kingdom continues its strict "No Hajj Without a Permit" policy, extending this enforcement to Umrah visas to better manage pilgrim numbers and ensure everyone has access to official services. All Umrah visa applicants must now have their accommodation booked in advance through the official Nusuk Masar platform, a mandatory step since June 10, 2025.

Lessons from the recent Hajj's extreme heat are also strongly emphasized for Umrah pilgrims. While specific infrastructure like cooled roads and misting fans were deployed for Hajj, Umrah pilgrims are advised to take similar precautions: avoiding direct sun during peak hours, staying hydrated, and using umbrellas.

Digital platforms like Nusuk remain central to these reforms, streamlining visa applications, package bookings, and service coordination. Additionally, mandatory vaccinations, particularly for Meningococcal (ACWY), remain a strict requirement for all travelers, often with updated COVID-19 vaccinations and specific requirements for those from polio-affected regions.

Saudi Arabia's comprehensive efforts reflect its commitment to modernizing pilgrimage management and safeguarding the health and spiritual journey of millions of Muslims worldwide. Pilgrims should always consult their authorized agents and the official Nusuk platform for the most current requirements before planning their journey.