ABU DHABI: UAE umrah service providers are informing expatriate pilgrims to organize their transport and accommodation in advance of obtaining visas, as Saudi Arabia tightens controls over pilgrim movement.
Tighter Airport Screening
Saudi officials at Jeddah and Madinah airports are now strictly checking that pilgrims have a valid Umrah visa, a hotel booking, and pre-booked transport with approved providers.
Transport Restricted to Approved Services
These new regulations have been associated with efforts to crack down on illegal taxi services around airports and pilgrimage routes.
Only prepaid taxis reserved via the official portal or Haramain Express high-speed train tickets are valid for transportation.
Simplifying Pilgrim Travel
Tour operators explained that the regulations aim to make pilgrims’ traveling smoother and enforce Saudi law among service providers.
Even though pilgrims themselves will not be penalized, operators stand to be fined and banned in case their clients show up without bookings.
Tourist Visa Not Accepted for Umrah
Operators have also cautioned against trying to utilize a tourist visa for religious purposes, emphasizing that pilgrims with no Umrah visa would be prevented from entering major places.
Costs and Requirements
An Umrah visa currently costs as low as Dh750, although costs differ with nationality.
With the new system, transport and accommodation information have to be provided upon application for the visa so that all pilgrims arrive with arrangements already confirmed.
Tips for UAE Residents
Residents of the UAE who are making their pilgrimage are advised by operators to pre-book flights, hotels, and transport when applying for the visa so that there will be no delay or complications.
