Saudi authorities have issued a new travel advisory strictly limiting the entry of Umrah pilgrims into the Kingdom.
According to a circular released by the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, travelers holding Umrah visas will no longer be allowed entry into Saudi Arabia after the 15th day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
This updated directive, released on Sunday, mandates that all airlines operating flights to and from Saudi Arabia must fully enforce the restriction. Failure to comply will result in legal action not only against the airline but also the individual traveler, officials warned.
“Airlines must refrain from issuing boarding passes to any passenger traveling on an Umrah visa after 15 Shawwal,” stated the notice from Saudi aviation authorities. “Violations will be dealt with under the provisions of Saudi Civil Aviation Law.”
The measure is aimed at streamlining the flow of pilgrims into the Kingdom and ensuring that airport operations are not overwhelmed in the lead-up to the Hajj season. As millions of pilgrims are expected to arrive during this time, controlling Umrah-related travel becomes crucial for efficient crowd and resource management.
In line with the new regulations, airlines have been instructed to update their systems immediately and notify all travel agents of the changes. The advisory also makes it clear that this policy will be subject to annual review based on operational requirements and the scale of Hajj preparations.
This restriction underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to better coordinate the religious travel calendar. While the country welcomes millions of pilgrims each year, the overlap between Umrah and Hajj can strain infrastructure and services if not carefully managed.
Travel agencies and pilgrims are advised to plan accordingly and ensure that Umrah travel is completed before the 15th of Shawwal. Those holding Umrah visas beyond this date should not attempt to enter the Kingdom, as it may lead to travel disruptions or penalties under Saudi law.