Egypt's Ministry Issues New 25-Point Umrah Regulations for 2024

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced a 25‑point regulatory framework for the Umrah season 1448 AH. The rules obligate licensed tourism companies to document agency contracts, comply with health and visa requirements, obtain program approvals, protect pilgrims' rights and accept full legal responsibility once their programs are registered on the official portal. Additional provisions set limits on trip numbers, require 70 % of a company's pilgrims to return before new trips are approved, cap program length at 15 days (extended to 35 days during the peak Shaban‑Ramadan period), and stipulate distance criteria for accommodation near the holy sites.

For the first time, the ministry launched the electronic “Rafiq” application for Egyptian pilgrims and tour‑operator supervisors. Pilgrims must download the app, create an account and upload travel documents, while a QR‑code confirms arrival at accommodation in Mecca or Medina and records return to Egypt. The system also introduces digital identification cards, mandatory supervisor training, real‑time GPS tracking of buses, and an electronic quality‑assessment platform for service providers. Companies that breach the regulations face penalties and possible legal action, and the ministry warned against dealing with unlicensed intermediaries.