Riyadh: As part of its annual preparations for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia has initiated a temporary suspension of Umrah services to manage the expected surge in pilgrim arrivals.
Authorities have paused the issuance of Umrah visas and instructed those currently in the Kingdom on Umrah permits to depart before a designated deadline. The step is aimed at easing congestion and ensuring smoother coordination during the Hajj season.
In addition, access to the holy city of Makkah will be restricted during this period. Only individuals with valid residency permits and officially approved Hajj pilgrims will be allowed entry, in line with established regulations.
Officials say the measures are part of a long-standing framework designed to maintain safety, improve crowd control, and facilitate organized movement around key religious sites, particularly the Grand Mosque.
Each year, specific timelines for these restrictions are announced separately, but the policy itself remains a consistent feature of the Kingdom’s Hajj management strategy.
Authorities have reiterated that the temporary suspension is essential to prevent overcrowding and to ensure a safe and orderly experience for millions of pilgrims participating in one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world.
