Travel Updates

Saudi Arabia Entry Restrictions

Last updated: 21 June 2026, 09:00 AM

Saudi Arabia may not have released a general public statement specifically addressing all affected nationalities. However, in many cases, nationality-related visa and travel restrictions are first reflected within the official visa issuance systems before a wider public notice is issued.

Maqam Travels has access to the official Hajj and Umrah visa processing system. Upon checking the system, we confirmed that Uganda as a nationality is currently deactivated, meaning visa processing for affected travellers cannot proceed at this time.

To further verify this, Maqam Travels raised an official inquiry through the system, and the response received from the Hajj and Umrah Information Center stated that:

"Please be advised that the activation for this nationality has been deactivated by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah."

Therefore, our updates are based on the current status reflected in the official visa processing system and the response received from the Hajj and Umrah Information Center.

We kindly advise our clients and the public to remain calm and avoid confusion from unverified claims. Maqam Travels will continue to follow up through the proper official channels and will share updates as soon as further guidance is received.

Hajj 2027 Registration is Now Open

Last updated: 21 June 2026, 08:30 AM

Uganda's Hajj process has shifted from the old system of "pay today, travel tomorrow" to advance booking, in line with the guidelines and arrangements of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

As Muslims, we follow the Hijri calendar. The year 1448 AH began with Muharram on 17th June 2026, meaning Dhul Hijjah 1448 AH is expected to begin on Friday, 7th May 2027. This shows that Hajj 2027 is very close.

Registration is expected to close by 20th November 2026, therefore time is very limited. We strongly advise all intending pilgrims to begin their registration early to avoid last-minute challenges.

Find out more

Black Umrah is Sold Out

Last updated: 21 June 2026, 08:00 AM

Due to the Saudi Arabia entry restrictions that became effective from 9th June 2026 until further notice, travellers from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan are currently not being allowed entry into Saudi Arabia due to concerns related to the Ebola virus.

This situation is considered force majeure, meaning it is beyond the control of both the traveller and Maqam Travels.

Therefore, Black Umrah is sold out, meaning all available Black Umrah spaces for this departure are all taken, although the journey has been temporarily postponed until the restrictions are lifted and the Saudi system is reopened for the affected nationalities.

Kindly note that refund requests are currently on pause and will resume once the Government of Uganda confirms that there are no more new Ebola cases and the Saudi Ministry reopens the system.

Once the system is reopened, Maqam Travels will communicate a new travel date. At that point, affected travellers will be given the option to either travel on the new date or not proceed, after which refund requests can be handled accordingly.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience, trust, and understanding during this unexpected situation.