With the introduction of e-visas and affordable packages for Umrah, many UAE residents are eager to undertake the pilgrimage multiple times a year. However, with the upcoming Haj pilgrimage approaching, it is now mandatory for UAE residents to book a slot on the Nusuk App to perform Umrah. Only individuals with valid Umrah visas will be allowed to embark on the pilgrimage, with Saudi Arabia announcing the entry and exit dates for Umrah visa holders as May 23, 2024, and June 6, 2024, respectively.
According to Qaiser Mahmood from ASAA Tourism, their agency receives over a hundred inquiries a day from residents looking to perform Umrah before the Haj season begins. The demand is high currently, but it is expected to decrease slightly as the Haj season approaches. Shihab Perwad from Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism mentioned that the quota of Umrah visas has been significantly reduced from 15,000 to 1,500 to prepare for the upcoming Haj season. Therefore, residents interested in performing Umrah before the Haj season must start planning early due to the limited timeframe.
Residents with valid Umrah visas can currently travel to Madinah and Makkah but must leave before the set deadline by the authorities. It is essential to book slots for Umrah through the Nusuk App before booking tickets, as failure to do so may result in pilgrims being denied entry into Saudi Arabia. With no availability for sites like Rowdah or Riyad al-Jannah, the allocation of prayer slots through the Nusuk App has witnessed a decline, making it crucial for pilgrims to plan their visit accordingly.
Strict penalties await those who violate regulations by not leaving the holy sites before or on the Haj season, including imprisonment for up to two years and hefty fines amounting to SAR 50,000. Travellers from the UAE are now required to receive the influenza vaccine before embarking on their pilgrimage journey, as those who do not receive the vaccination will be denied entry to board flights. Pilgrims with Umrah visas can only access certain airports, such as Jeddah, Madinah, Yanbu, and Taif, and those holding multiple entry visas are prohibited from traveling to these designated airports.
As the first batch of Haj pilgrims has already arrived, authorities are intensifying preparations for the upcoming Haj season, leading to heightened vigilance among travellers. With the limited quota of Umrah visas and strict regulations in place, it is crucial for residents in the UAE planning to perform Umrah before the Haj season to start planning early and adhere to all guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful pilgrimage experience. Booking slots on the Nusuk App, receiving the necessary vaccination, and complying with entry and exit dates are essential steps for those looking to undertake the sacred journey of Umrah.
