Egypt Launches New Umrah Pilgrim Guide With Saudi Coordination

A joint awareness campaign has been launched by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, beginning with the release of the Egyptian Umrah Pilgrim Guide. The initiative is intended to raise awareness among Egyptian pilgrims about the regulations, procedures and guidance associated with performing Umrah.

The guide is available digitally through the Egyptian Umrah Portal and will be circulated to the Chamber of Travel and Tourism Companies and Agencies for distribution to licensed tourism firms, which are responsible for providing it to pilgrims. Printed copies will also be made available in airport departure halls, while a QR code allows pilgrims to access a mobile-friendly version through various communication channels.

The campaign follows recent coordination meetings between Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sheref Fathy and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah in Cairo, as well as additional technical sessions held this month in Jeddah and Mecca. According to officials, the objective is to enhance the Umrah and tourism Hajj framework and improve service quality for Egyptian pilgrims through unified procedures and ongoing cooperation.

Prepared jointly by both ministries, the guide provides practical information for pilgrims before and during their journey. It covers visa requirements, religious and legal preparations, travel procedures from Egypt and return arrangements, as well as a simplified explanation of Umrah rites with guidance on avoiding common mistakes. Health and safety instructions, services available within the Two Holy Mosques, and key landmarks and enrichment sites in Makkah and Madinah are also included.

An introductory section explains the Egyptian Umrah Portal, stressing that it is the sole legal and secure channel for organising Umrah trips under Egyptian law. Pilgrims are advised to deal only with licensed tourism companies registered on the portal. The guide also lists direct contact channels for inquiries or complaints in Egypt and in the holy cities, alongside a reporting mechanism for unlicensed entities operating during the Umrah season.