HAJJ and UMRAH updates

 The All Ceylon Hajj Tour Operators Association (ACHTOA), the national body representing 28 licensed Hajj tour operators, elected its new Executive Committee for 2025/2026 at the Annual General Meeting held on Monday , October 20 at the Mandarina Hotel, Colombo 03. Authorized on 24 February 1997 by the Minister of Trade under Section 3(b) of the Societies Ordinance (Chapter 123), …

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that holders of all types of visas may perform Umrah while in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  The ministry said the measure comes as part of its efforts to streamline procedures for Umrah performers and broaden access to services within the Hajj and Umrah system, in support of the objectives of Saudi Vision …

The department. of Muslim Religious and. Cultural Affairs announced here on Thursday, October 9 that it has selected 52 Hajj Travel Agents operators to function during the pilgrimage in 2026. According to a statement made from Colombo the department of Muslim Religious affairs and Cultural Affairs, the selection was made by a board appointed by his department and an interview …

Book flights with Saudia or flynas and perform Umrah during a 96-hour stay in Saudi Arabia: If you are a resident of a GCC country and planning international travel with a layover in Saudi Arabia, you can now take advantage of a free stopover visa that allows you to perform Umrah during your transit. This visa is available through bookings with Saudia Airlines and flynas, offering …

Kingdom tightens Umrah visa rules to ensure licensed accommodation and protect pilgrims The move aims to protect pilgrims’ rights, ensure high-quality accommodation, and streamline the overall journey.AFP Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that, beginning with the new Umrah season, no international pilgrim will be granted an Umrah visa without first documenting their housing contracts through the …