The Hajj and Umrah Ministry just released news for those outside Saudi Arabia planning a pilgrimage.
Short Summary
-
- Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduces updates for Umrah visas in 2024.
- Changes aim to simplify the process and enhance clarity for pilgrims.
- New rules ensure smoother journeys to Makkah and Madinah.
- Ministry takes the lead in guiding pilgrims through the updated procedures.
According to their update,
Umrah visas will hit their expiration date on Dhul Qadah 15 (or May 23). That's a shift from the old date of Dhul Qadah 29 (or June 6). They've made this change to better handle the incoming surge of annual Hajj pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah, the holy locales. Moreover, the ministry has added details about the three-month Umrah visa validity. Rather than starting from the tourists' arrival date in Saudi Arabia, the ticking clock begins on the visa issue date. That's their new stance in light of several queries to the ministry's X platform.
The ministry highlighted the perfect harmony that comes with completing your Umrah pilgrimage and leaving on time before your visa runs out. Backed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, they've assured that the Umrah visa stays good for a three-month period counted from the issue date, not later than Dhul Qadah 15. This change, adopted two weeks ahead of the previously stated Dhul Qadah 29 expiration, is meant to smooth out admin work and heighten experience for visitors to these sacred sites.
The ministry is committed to a smooth pilgrimage, the less friction the better for those travelling to Makkah and Madinah. For your information, the Hajj rituals for 2024 will start in the evening on June 14, Friday, and wrap by Wednesday, June 19 evening. These dates depend on the moon sighting of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th Islamic calendar month.