Ghana urges prospective Umrah Pilgrims to suspend travel amid Middle East tension
By Nancy Marende, March 2, 2026The Government of Ghana has advised prospective Umrah pilgrims to temporarily suspend their travel plans due to the rapidly evolving security situation in parts of the Middle East.
In a travel advisory issued on March 2, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautioned that ongoing regional tensions could disrupt travel arrangements and pose potential safety risks.
The Ministry specifically urged all Ghanaian nationals currently in Ghana who are yet to embark on their Umrah journey to hold off on travelling until the situation stabilises.
“The safety and well-being of Ghanaian nationals remain the government’s utmost priority,” Ghana stated.
For Ghanaians already in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia performing Umrah, authorities advised them to remain calm, strictly comply with directives from local authorities, and maintain close communication with their travel agents as well as Ghana’s diplomatic missions in Riyadh and Jeddah.
The Ministry further encouraged citizens seeking additional information or emergency consular assistance to contact the appropriate Ghanaian diplomatic offices.
Other directives
The government has also directed all its nationals residing in Qatar to immediately register with the Ghanaian Embassy in Doha as part of emergency preparedness measures amid rising regional tensions.
In a notice issued by the Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Doha on Monday, March 2, 2026, officials urged Ghanaians who have not yet registered to do so without delay.
According to the embassy, the registration will enable officials to effectively communicate with Ghanaian citizens, provide consular assistance, and, if necessary, coordinate evacuation arrangements.
“All Ghanaians in Qatar, including students, workers, families, and visitors, are required to complete the registration form,” the statement said.
The embassy assured citizens that all information submitted will be treated with strict confidentiality and used solely for official emergency and consular purposes.
“The Embassy will continue to provide updates through its official communication channels,” the statement added.