Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the timeline for the 1447 AH Umrah season, stressing that all relevant authorities at airports must promptly identify arriving Umrah pilgrims and provide them with the necessary services.
The ministry outlined the timeline for Umrah season procedures as follows:
Qualifying external agents and contracting with external agencies from 15 Dhu al-Hijjah until 30 Sha'ban.
Issuing visas from 15 Dhu al-Hijjah to 15 Shawwal.
Entry of Umrah pilgrims into the Kingdom begins on 1 Muharram and runs until 30 Shawwal.
The last day for Umrah pilgrims to depart is 30 Dhu al-Qa'dah.
The ministry also set out the rules for qualifying external agents to work in the Umrah season, requiring qualification applications to be submitted through the ministry's e-portal, in compliance with the announced conditions and with the required documents attached, which include:
A copy of the commercial register certified by the competent authorities in the agent's country.
A copy of the passport of the establishment's official in charge.
Personal and detailed financial statements and contact details.
The ministry noted that the agent's membership in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is a basic requirement, with the possibility of exempting some countries from this condition if the agent joins one of the accredited associations specializing in Hajj and Umrah affairs.
