Saudi Arabia shuts 10 travel offices over unlicensed Umrah services

Dubai: The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has shut down 10 travel service offices in the capital city for operating without proper licenses and organising unauthorised Umrah and visitation packages, in a sweeping enforcement campaign aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance in the tourism sector.

According to the ministry, violations included the use of unlicenced vehicles to transport pilgrims, as well as placing them in unauthorised accommodation facilities in Mecca and Medina.

The crackdown is part of broader efforts to ensure that tourism-related activities across the Kingdom meet official licensing and operational standards.

The inspections specifically targeted agencies that were either operating without permits or conducting activities beyond the scope of their approved services. Officials stressed that such practices pose serious risks to pilgrims and visitors, undermining the quality and safety of Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism industry.

“The campaign aims to protect the rights of tourists and visitors while enhancing the overall quality of services in line with the national tourism strategy,” the ministry said in a statement.

Legal penalties for violators range from fines of up to SR50,000, with repeat offenders facing sanctions of up to SR1 million, office closures, or both — depending on the severity of the infraction.

The ministry urged all tourism operators to comply strictly with the terms of their licenses and called on the public to engage only with officially authorised agencies to ensure safe, reliable travel experiences.

Tourists and residents are also encouraged to report violations or complaints related to hospitality services by calling the unified tourism hotline at 930.