New Airline Regulations and Their Effect on Umrah Travel

Umrah is a sacred trip performed by millions of Muslims from around the globe. As the number of pilgrims increases each year, so does the change in travel regulations. To adopt these changes, many travellers now opt for All-inclusive Umrah Packages, which simplify the journey by covering flights, hotels, and other services. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has devised new airline rules for the travellers, helping them have a safe journey. Recent changes in protocols have impacted the way people travel to KSA for Umrah. This blog will delve into the details of the latest airline rules and their effect on Umrah trip.

Travel Regulations for Umrah Pilgrims

This section will explore various travel rules that are in effect for Umrah pilgrims in 2025. It will cover the aspects of health, visa processing, and passenger rights. Let’s get into the details:

1.   Vaccination Rules

Effective February 10, 2025, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has mandated new vaccination rules for Umrah pilgrims to safeguard public health. The Meningococcal Vaccine (Quadrivalent ACYW-135) is now a must for all travellers aged one year and above. This vaccine must be taken at least ten days before arrival in Saudi Arabia, with its certificate remaining valid for three years. However, pilgrims no longer need to provide vaccination proof for meningitis. This rule was cancelled on Feb 7, 2025, given there is a shortage of doses for fighting this outbreak.

For travellers from countries with reported polio cases, the Polio Vaccine is vital. It should be injected at least four weeks before arrival to ensure proper immunity. Moreover, the Yellow Fever Vaccine is needed for pilgrims arriving from countries at risk of this disease. This measure aims to prevent its spread within the Kingdom. Countries including, Kenya, Congo, Nigeria, Brazil, Sudan, Panama, Ghana, Uganda, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina are on the hit list of Yellow Fever.  Airlines must verify valid vaccine certificates at check-in. Passengers lacking proper documents may be denied boarding to uphold public health standards. Proof of vaccine is not needed for less than 12 hours of airport transit. The certificate will remain valid for life. Families travelling to Mecca and Madina via Family Umrah packages must ensure that their children are free from diseases such as Cholera, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies, Tetanus, Influenza (seasonal), Measles, and Mumps.

2.   Visa Regulations

Another rule that has surfaced recently is the visa requirement. With easy access to obtaining Umrah visas, pilgrims can now apply for an e-visa through the Nusuk platform or via authorized travel agencies. It is a must for the pilgrims to verify the travel company before booking and securing their Umrah deal.

Moreover, holders of various types of visas, including tourist visas and transit visas, are now allowed to perform Umrah, making the pilgrimage easier. They cannot perform the Umrah during the Hajj season on a tourist visa.

Another key change is the extension of the Umrah visa duration. In 2025, Umrah visas now allow a stay of up to 90 days, giving pilgrims more time to perform religious rituals and explore the holy cities.

Unlike before, visitors can now enter Saudi Arabia through any airport, seaport, or land border, making travel easier. They can enter the country from the airports of Jeddah, Madina, Yanbu, and Taif. The country has also made visa-free entry possible for citizens of select countries, encouraging more Muslims to visit.

3.   Passenger Rights Policy

On November 20, 2023, GACA introduced new airline rules to protect passenger rights. These changes directly affect Umrah travellers and cover important areas like ticketing, boarding, in-flight services, and baggage handling. One major update is about compensation for flight disruptions. If a flight is delayed, cancelled, overbooked, or makes an unexpected stop, pilgrims can get payment between 150% and 200% of their ticket price. For example, if a flight is delayed for too long, the airline may have to pay up to twice the original ticket cost. This ensures that pilgrims are fairly compensated for any trouble.

The new rules also offer safety for baggage issues. If a traveller’s luggage is lost or damaged, they can get financial repayment of up to 6,568 Saudi Riyals. This helps cover the cost of lost items and gives pilgrims peace of mind when checking in their bags. The regulations also focus on Hajj and Umrah charter flights. Pilgrims often face unique travel challenges, so these rules ensure they get proper support and care during their trip. Airlines must provide better services to make Umrah travel smooth. With these new rules, Umrah pilgrims now have stronger security when flying. These changes improve the overall travel experience, making it fairer and more reliable for everyone performing their pilgrimage.

Essential Travel Tips for Travellers

This section will share some of the key information about the travelling rules that every pilgrim must know before entering Saudi Arabia. Let’s take a look:

• Pilgrims must have a hassle-free trip. They need to carry less luggage with them to have an easy time, saving them from the struggle of loading and unloading bags during the immigration process. Every airline has different rules for the maximum allowed baggage weight. For example, Qatar Airways allows the relaxation up to 32 kg per piece. Hence, you need to pack accordingly.
• Travellers often wish to carry ZamZam back home with them. Airlines have specific guidelines to ensure safety. Pilgrims are allowed to carry 5 litres of ZamZam water with them. Moreover, the water must be properly sealed separately and not in your luggage, preventing any leaks.
• Women can also perform Umrah without a mahram (husband, son, father, or brother). However, female pilgrims above the age of 45 can avail this relaxation.

Final Words

This blog has explored new regulations introduced by the airlines for the safety of the pilgrims. From vaccination certificates to visa regulations and passenger rights policy, all these rules ensure that travellers have a hassle-free trip. If you wish to have a care-free journey then reach out to Muslims Holy Travel to get Umrah packages like Family Umrah Packages or all-inclusive Umrah packages at pocket-friendly prices.