As the year 2024 comes to an end and 2025 unfolds, Muslims reflect upon the religious milestones they accomplished this year worldwide. Among these spiritual milestones, Umrah and Hajj are the most significant and soul-enriching holy pilgrimages. Umrah is the most crucial and heart-warming voluntary pilgrimage performed by millions of Muslims all year round.

Umrah is a sacred Islamic pilgrimage that holds immense spiritual significance as it brings harmony and union among Muslims. All Muslims unite and help each other, especially reverts and guide them through Umrah essentials and rituals.

2024 Umrah Recap and Highlights

As 2024 wraps up, we will dive into the advancements and statistics of 2024 Umrah pilgrimage, advancements and how it positively impacted millions of Muslims and reverts worldwide.

1.   Transportation

Umrah 2024 was revolutionary in terms of exceptional transportation services. Choosing the right Umrah package grants you access to feasible transportation services. Along with customized transportation facilities provided by Umrah travel agencies, Saudi Arabia took initiative for Hajj 2024.

Haramain High-Speed Railway (HHR) expanded and connected Makkah to Madina making pilgrimage easy for Umrah pilgrims. The world’s fastest electric train accommodated Hajj pilgrims 2024 and added 100,000 more seats. Saudi Arabia Railways executed its operation for Hajj season 1445 AH at its five stations linking Makkah to Madinah.

2.   Simplified Visa Process

The streamlined Umrah Visa process allowed millions of Muslims to embark on spiritual journey. With E-visa awareness and Group Umrah packages, first-timers could easily access affordable Umrah packages. Additionally, the 3-key step guide of paying Umrah Visa fee and applying made the whole procedure easier. This simplified application process eliminated the hassle of paper work and scams.

Choosing the best Umrah travel agent that gives you consultancy and guides you through packages and application process can make it a whole lot easier and Guest of Rehman does it all.

3.   Facilities Enhancement

Pilgrims were facilitated with better crowd management with upgraded and well-mannered Haramain staff. The upgraded accommodation and sanitation in holy mosques were extraordinary. The upgraded Minah and Arafah facility also allowed Hajj 2024 pilgrims following facilities:

  • Designated areas for hot & cold beverages at camping corridor
  • Increase in toilets and tents in Mina
  • Additional air-conditioners (for Malaysian pilgrims)

2024 Umrah Stats:

6.2 million pilgrims performed Umrah in the third quarter, reported by Gulf News. A 35% percent increase was observed in the foreign Group Umrah 2024 pilgrims with the highest age ratio between 35 to 44.

According to the Umrah Statistics Report, published by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) on Sunday: A total of 6,254,751 foreign and local pilgrims with male 57.4% and females 42.6% performed Umrah in the quarter.

Umrah 2025 Updates

Here is all you need to know if you are going to book Umrah package 2025 so you can make an informed decision

1.   Umrah Closed Months in 2025

Yes, you read it right. Umrah is closed to international travelers in the month of Dhul-Hajj due to the influx of Hajj pilgrims and Saudi authorities’ preparation. Umrah visa might not be approved during these 30 days of Dhul-Hajj but particularly from 15 Dhul-Qi’dah to 29th of Dhul-Qi’dah 1446 Hijri. Consult with your travel agent and book affordable Umrah packages avoiding Hajj 2025 dates i.e. 13-27 May 2025 for seamless Umrah visa approval.

2. New Free Luggage Storage Facility

The Saudi Ministry has just announced free luggage storage facilities for Umrah pilgrims by the end of 2024. For Umrah and Hajj 2025 pilgrims, this free luggage storage facility in Grand Mosque allows worshippers to perform Umrah in serenity.

Where is the Luggage storage facility located in Masjid al-Haram?

These storage facilities are located near Makkah Library and Gate 64. Pilgrims will receive a “reclaim ticket” which they have to show before retrieving their luggage.

What items are prohibited in free luggage storage facilities?

Umrah pilgrims are not allowed to submit loose items, valuables, medicines, food and beverages in luggage storage facilities.

3. Penalties and Restrictions

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has posed strict penalties against violators. Any pilgrims who break the law will face the following:

  • 6-month jail plus fine of 60,000 SR for transporting violators
  • Transport offenders’ vehicle will be confiscated for unlawful transportation
  • Repeat offenders’ penalty shall increase

4.  Umrah Visa Price

Currently, Saudi e-visa costs around 199 USD which can be changed by Saudi Arabian Ministry Tourism as of 2025. Book an affordable winter Umrah package 2025 that will cost less and includes high-end amenities.

With Guest of Rehman, you don’t have to worry about logistics and documentation. Our January Umrah packages 2025 will cover transportation services, cheap accommodations and an easy application process.

5.   Affordable Umrah Packages

As the year 2025 unfolds, many Muslims also like to renew their faith and rejuvenate their souls with spirituality. Finding an Umrah package that aligns with your budget and is tailored to suit your needs is necessary. Umrah travel agencies are designing exclusive Umrah packages for 2025 but to find the best is what demands a little research.

If you are also worried about finding Umrah packages, look no further. Guest of Rehman brings you exclusive affordable January Umrah packages 2025 that are tailored to your needs.

Summary

Umrah is an all-year round occurring unique opportunity to strengthen your relationship with Allah, Given the influx of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims in 2024, there is a high probability of Umrah packages to get expensive by 2025 prior to Ramadan. Avail the opportunity and become part of Umrah or Hajj 2025 by discovering the best packages.

Book Now and become part of Umrah 2025 pilgrimage with Guest of Rehman!