Umrah Holding Visas are not Allowed to Travel

The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued a circular to all the airlines operating in and out of the KSA to not board the passenger holding umrah visas after 15 Shawwal 1446. Instructions have been passed to all airlines, including private aviation as well as commercial, to comply with the circular, orders, policy and procedures of GACA.

The airlines are instructed to return any passenger from this category, and in case of non-compliance, GACA will take legal action against both the passenger and the carrier. Moreover, not only are Umrah Visas, event single and multiple-entry business visas, tourist e-visas, family visit visas, and multi-entry business visas are not permitted to entry beyond the deadline. Non-compliance could result in a five-year ban on re-entry.

Only those with a valid work visa or who have a re-entry visa and multiple family visa are allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government has also temporarily suspended multiple-entry visas for business, tourism, and family visits ahead of the upcoming Hajj season. The restrictions are designed to address concerns about unlawful Hajj pilgrims and ensure smoother pilgrimage operations.

Access Restrictions After April 29: Entrance to Mecca for Umrah will be restricted, and required a special permit (tasrih), which is not meant for pilgrims on tourist visas. Umrah pilgrimages will resume routinely starting June 11, 2025. Pilgrims holding valid Hajj and Umrah visas may enter Saudi Arabia through Jeddah, Madinah, Yanbu, and Taif international airports