Iran has Resumed Traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah Pilgrims

For the first time after 9 years Iran has started sending Muslims pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah to Mecca with the approval of Riyadh authorities. Around two Iranian groups, each with 85 to 270 individuals, set out to perform the Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Both nations had reached an agreement to allow official and private sector delegations to resume their visits and flights. Around 11 flights from as many airports in Iran took off from Saudi Arabia.

The first group of Iranian pilgrims departed to Saudi Arabia in order to complete the Umrah pilgrimage. They are the first Iranians to travel there since Tehran and Riyadh decided to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen their respective embassies after more than nine years last year, thanks to an agreement brokered by China.

The pilgrims from Iran had waited for many years for this moment to have the spiritual trip to Mecca and Medina.According to the IRNA (Islamic Republic News Agency) a total of 5,720 Iranian Umrah pilgrims were planned to head to Saudi Arabia this year.

Overview of Iran's Resumption of Umrah Travel to Saudi Arabia

Key Highlights:

• Resumption of Pilgrimage:

  In 2024, Iran and Saudi Arabia officially resumed travel for Umrah pilgrims after years of strained relations and interrupted pilgrimages.

• Iranian Pilgrims:

  Thousands of Iranian pilgrims are expected to visit Makkah and Madinah as part of this resumed journey.

• Travel Agencies:

  Iranian travel agencies are actively involved in facilitating the visa process, organizing tours, and managing travel arrangements for the pilgrims.

• Visa Process:

  Coordination between the Iranian and Saudi governments has been reestablished, ensuring a smoother visa application process for the pilgrims.

• Flight Services:

  Direct flights between Iran and Saudi Arabia have been reinstated, easing travel for pilgrims. Flights are expected to operate frequently from major cities in Iran to Saudi Arabia.

What was the Reason to Pause Traveling to Saudi Arabia from Iran as Umrah Pilgrims?

Every year Iran always has a large number of applicants who are seeking to attend the annual Hajj ceremony and wish to perform Umrah but unluckily Iran suspended flights to Saudi Arabia for Umrah pilgrims in April 2015 due to the allegations of assault by Saudi security officers on two male Iranian pilgrims returning from Makkah through Jeddah Airport prompted Iran to suspend flights to Saudi Arabia for Umrah pilgrims. 

In the month of September of the same year, other incidents that occurred during the Hajj led to 769 deaths with Iranian pilgrims accounting for 464 of those who were killed. Due to these incidents Iranians had only been able to participate in the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which is restricted to a certain number per nation and which all Muslims are required to do at least once.

Additionally in the Last year direct flights were made possible by these two nations' powers to normalize their relations. Iranian pilgrims who wish to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca can also apply online for their visas but not for Umrah, and Now both nations have given their permission to restore economic agreements as well as to reopen their embassies and consulates for travelers. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Did Iranian pilgrims who had been disconnected for nine years perform their first Umrah in Saudi Arabia?
Ans: According to Iranian state media, the first group of Iranian pilgrims to visit Saudi Arabia after nine years arrived in the month of September for the Umrah.