Egypt issues new Umrah season regulations with mandatory insurance

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has approved new regulations for the 2026-2027 Umrah season, introducing mandatory insurance and travel conditions for tourism companies.

• Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy has approved the new Umrah regulations for the 2026 season, according to a senior source at the Chamber of Travel and Tourism Companies.
• Companies must pay a temporary insurance of 5 million Egyptian pounds, with 1.5 million pounds to the Ministry of Tourism and 3.5 million pounds via a bank check.
• The ministry will not approve new Umrah trips for any company until 70% of its current pilgrims in Saudi Arabia have returned.
• The insurance amount is refundable at the end of the season, after deducting any amounts previously returned to pilgrims due to program violations.

Latest developments

• Jul 15 — The new regulations limit Umrah program duration to a maximum of 15 days, with an exception allowing up to 35 days from mid-Sha'ban to the 17th of Ramadan.
• Jul 15 — Booking must be made at least 48 hours before travel on the Egyptian Umrah portal, and hotel room occupancy is capped at four people.
• Jul 15 — The insurance becomes refundable if no pilgrim complaints are filed within two months after the season ends, and agencies must notarize contracts, ensure six-month passport validity, and follow health guidelines.