Erbil, Kurdistan Region – The General Directorate of Hajj and Umrah in the Kurdistan Region has officially declared the restart of Umrah pilgrimages for the 2025-2026 season, beginning Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The decision comes after the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs approved a new initiative aimed at streamlining Umrah procedures and enhancing services for pilgrims.

In a formal statement, the Directorate instructed all licensed Hajj and Umrah agencies to visit its headquarters starting Tuesday, July 15, to complete the required contracts. Land travel for pilgrims will commence on Wednesday, July 16, while flights will take off from Erbil and Sulaymaniyah International Airports on Friday, July 18.

Umrah program providers were also directed to submit their bids and sign agreements with the Directorate beginning July 15. The authorities reiterated that only fully compliant companies would be permitted to operate, emphasizing that incomplete documentation would result in contract rejections.

The Directorate issued a warning to citizens planning to perform Umrah, urging them to confirm that their chosen travel agency holds an official license. Approved companies are required to display a visible license plate in their offices.

"To protect the rights and safety of pilgrims, we strongly advise against dealing with unlicensed operators," the statement read.