HAJJ SEASON
Saudi Arabia resumes e-visa, Umrah visa services after Hajj concludes
Saudi Arabia has reactivated its e-visa system for tourists and Umrah pilgrims after the Hajj pilgrimage concluded, starting June 10. Travelers with valid Schengen, UK, or US visas, or residency in those regions, can now obtain visas on arrival.
Saudi Arabia urges pilgrims to leave before Hajj visa expiry; warns of legal action for overstay
Saudi Arabia's Hajj Ministry reminds pilgrims to depart before their visas expire, emphasizing it's a legal and respectful act. Authorities warn of penalties for overstaying, stressing Hajj visas are for pilgrimage only, not work. The Passport Directorate has initiated a large-scale departure operation with personnel and technology at exit points.
Saudi Arabia reopens Umrah visas from June 10 after concluding Hajj season
Umrah visas from Saudi Arabia will be available from June 10. The first international pilgrims are expected on June 11. This follows a successful Hajj season with over 1.6 million pilgrims. The Umrah cycle will continue into 2026. Updates on travel rules are expected soon. UAE leaders praised Saudi Arabia for the well-organized Hajj.
Saudi Arabia imposes no travel ban on Indians; Temporary restrictions linked to Hajj season: Sources
Reports of a travel ban on Indians to Saudi Arabia are false, according to official sources. Temporary visa restrictions during Hajj are standard practice to manage pilgrim flow. UAE leaders congratulated Saudi Arabia for the successful Hajj pilgrimage.
Hajj 2025: Why training for Hajj is as important as prayer
Every year, millions of Muslims journey to Mecca to fulfil the Hajj pilgrimage, a religious duty and deeply personal milestone. This journey is physically demanding, emotionally taxing and logistically complex. Pilgrims must prepare for intense heat, long walks, crowded spaces and sudden health issues. Saudi authorities and health experts have offered practical guidance—from fitness routines and sun protection to mental resilience and hygiene practices—to help pilgrims stay safe and complete their Hajj in good health and high spirits.
Saudi Arabia arrests Indian National among others for unauthorised Hajj transportation
Saudi Arabia has taken strict action against illegal Hajj transportation. Authorities arrested an Indian resident for transporting 22 people without permits. Twelve expatriates and eight Saudi citizens also faced arrest for similar violations. Punishments include fines, imprisonment, and deportation. The ministry urged compliance with Hajj regulations. These measures ensure the safety and order of the pilgrimage.
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Saudi Arabia: Umrah season calendar 2025-26 announced; important dates pilgrims must know
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the Umrah season calendar for 1447/2025-2026, with international pilgrims permitted from June 11, 2025. Visa issuance commences on June 10, 2025, and service agreements must be finalized by May 27, 2025. Digital platforms are launched to enhance coordination, with a final departure date set for April 18, 2026.
Saudi Arabia imposes heavy fines for sheltering visit visa holders during Hajj 2025
Saudi Arabia has declared strict penalties, including fines up to SAR 100,000, for anyone providing shelter to visit visa holders in Makkah and holy sites during the Hajj season, spanning from Dhu Al-Qidah 01 to Dhu Al-Hijjah 14.
Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia to penalise violators of new rules for pilgrims; check regulations, advisory & details here
Saudi Arabia has announced strict measures for the upcoming Hajj season, targeting unauthorized pilgrims with hefty fines up to 20,000 Riyals, deportation, and a decade-long entry ban. Facilitators face even steeper penalties, reaching 100,000 Riyals per violation, along with potential vehicle seizures.
Saudi Arabia bans stay for non-Hajj visas-holding tourists in Makkah
Saudi Arabia is preparing for the 2025 Hajj. New rules will be in place from April. Only those with Hajj permits can book accommodations in Makkah. Expatriates need permits to enter Makkah. There are exceptions for Makkah residents and workers. Checkpoints will enforce these rules. Violators may face penalties. Authorities want to ensure a safe and organized Hajj.
Saudi Arabia warns of heavy penalties for overstaying visas ahead of Hajj
Saudi Arabia has issued strict warnings to expatriates and visitors regarding visa overstays during the Hajj season, with potential penalties including fines up to $13,000, imprisonment, and deportation. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah requires Umrah visa holders to exit Mecca by April 29 to avoid these penalties.
World’s best airports 2025 revealed. Did India land a spot on the list?
Singapore Changi Airport was named World’s Best Airport 2025 by Skytrax, winning the title for a record 13th time. Known for its Jewel complex, indoor waterfall, gardens, and attractions, Changi is a destination in itself. Hamad (Doha) and Haneda (Tokyo) ranked 2nd and 3rd. Delhi led Indian airports, winning Best Airport in India & South Asia.
Saudi Arabia suspends short-term visas for 14 countries, including India, ahead of Hajj season
Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of new short-term visas—including business, tourist, and family visit visas—for citizens of 14 countries, including India, starting April 13, 2025. The move aims to manage travel ahead of the Hajj season and address overcrowding issues from last year, when many entered on non-pilgrimage visas.
What is Astrotourism? This Middle Eastern destination's astonishing sky is the new star-gazing haven you must visit
Saudi Arabia is emerging as a leader in astrotourism, with its first Dark Sky Parks recognized by DarkSky International. The Kingdom offers pristine night skies ideal for stargazing, blending ancient Arabian lore with astronomy. Policies to cap visitor numbers and dark-sky preservation ensure sustainable tourism. Travelers like Sara Sami find the experience uniquely compelling.
New rules for 2025 Hajj: No children allowed, preference for first-time pilgrims
Saudi Arabia has introduced new Hajj regulations for the 2025 pilgrimage, including a ban on children to avoid overcrowding risks. First-time pilgrims will receive priority, and installment-based payments are available for domestic pilgrims. Single-entry visas will be issued starting February 1, 2025, to prevent unauthorized pilgrimages. These measures aim to enhance safety and manageability for all pilgrims.
'Dangerous new era': climate change spurs disaster in 2024
This year is the hottest in history, with record-breaking temperatures in the atmosphere and oceans acting like fuel for extreme weather around the world.
Sania Mirza-Mohammed Shami marriage: Tennis star's father strongly reacts to wedding rumours. Here's the truth
Sania Mirza Shami Marriage: Rumors recently surfaced about Indian tennis star Sania Mirza and cricketer Mohammed Shami getting married, following both athletes' respective separations. Sania’s father, Imran Mirza, dismissed these rumors, stating that Sania has never met Shami. Amid these speculations, Sania embarked on a Hajj pilgrimage, sharing her hopes for a transformative experience on social media.
You can now apply for Saudi e-visa online if you have these passport stamps
Saudi Arabia is now allowing Indian passport holders with a UK, US or Schengen visa used once to apply for an e-visa online. In addition, the country is opening nine VFS Tasheel Visa offices throughout India to provide administrative services to potential visitors. Saudi Tourism Authority hopes to attract over 10 million Indian tourists to their country by 2030.
Saudi Arabia announces new instant e-visa for UK, US, and Schengen visa holders
The e-visa is also available for permanent residents from any European Union country. Permanent residence holders also grant first-degree relatives access to the Kingdom via an upon-arrival visa at any air, land, and sea ports.
Saudi Arabia removes restrictions on Hajj pilgrim numbers, age limit
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah tweeted, "During the opening of #Hajj_Expo 2023, H.E. Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq AlRabiah announces: 'Number of Hajj pilgrims in 1444H will return to how it was before the Coronavirus pandemic without age restrictions'."
Symphony expects air cooler sales to recover this summer
Symphony Ltd founder and chairman Achal Bakeri said the loss of summer season last year was like losing the full year since for the cooler category, sales happen only during summer unlike AC and fans which are sold round the year.
Health advisory for Ayyappa pilgrims with two-month-long pilgirmage season set to start from Nov 16
Closed spaces with poor airflow, crowded places, close face to face contact among pilgrims have to be avoided and to ensure safe pilgrimage there is need to restrict the number of pilgrims being allowed each day, according to the advisory. The government has decided to allow 1000 pilgrims every day to offer prayers.
California woman shooter may have travelled to India: Reports
But there is no further detail from Saudi authorities about whether Tashfeen Malik had reached India or for how long and where in India she stayed.
No political propaganda during Hajj: Saudi Crown Prince
Saudi Arabia will not allow any political propaganda during this year's Hajj and those trying to violate the pilgrimage's sanctity will be arrested.
The world’s 12 most infamous terrorists and the ends they met
These dreaded terrorists shook the world with their crimes. Here are 12 such terrorists and how they faced their end.
Yemen war puts 2015 crop at risk, food security worsening
The FAO has been working since 2014 to support Yemeni farmers but it says only $4 million of the required $12 million have been made available for its livelihood programs.
India discusses forthcoming Hajj with Saudi Arabia
Ahmad, who is in charge of Hajj Affairs, is in Saudi Arabia to review the arrangements for the forthcoming pilgrimage.
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