Saudi Arabia: First flights of Ramadan Umrah pilgrims land in Jeddah

Foreign pilgrims

During the Islamic month of Ramadan, foreign Muslim pilgrims have begun arriving in Jeddah for Umrah, the minor pilgrimage to Mecca.

Passport personnel at King Abdulaziz airport facilitated their entry smoothly, although specific passenger numbers were not disclosed by the Saudi news agency SPA. With Ramadan typically signaling the peak season for Umrah, the Saudi General Directorate of Passports has assured readiness to receive pilgrims across the kingdom, equipped with dual translation devices and mobile counters.

Visitors are reminded to adhere to regulations throughout their stay. After Umrah in Mecca, many pilgrims travel to Medina to visit the Prophet's Mosque and other Islamic landmarks.

Saudi Arabia has recently introduced various facilities for Umrah pilgrims, including visa access via all entry points, the option for Saudi citizens to invite friends for Umrah without male guardianship requirements, and tourist visa eligibility for expatriates in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, irrespective of profession.