The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised prospective Umrah pilgrims in Ghana to temporarily suspend their travel plans due to escalating security concerns in parts of the Middle East.
In an official statement issued on March 2, 2026, the Ministry warned that travel arrangements for the lesser pilgrimage could face significant disruptions and urged those still in Ghana who have not yet departed to postpone their journeys until conditions improve.
“The Ministry therefore advises all prospective Umrah pilgrims who are currently in Ghana and yet to commence their journey to temporarily hold on with travel plans until the situation stabilises,” the statement read.
While the Ministry did not specify the exact nature or location of the threat, it described the situation as “fast-changing” and confirmed that it is affecting parts of the Middle East region.
For Ghanaian nationals who are already in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry advised calm and urged them to comply with directives from local authorities. Pilgrims already in the country have been encouraged to maintain close contact with their travel agents, as well as the Ghanaian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah.
The Ministry reaffirmed that the safety and well-being of Ghanaian nationals abroad remains a top priority for government.
Emergency contact numbers have been provided for citizens requiring consular assistance. In Ghana, individuals can reach the Ministry on +233 240 913 284 or +233 240 793 072. For those in Saudi Arabia, the Embassy in Riyadh is available on +966 59 776 2966 or +966 56 818 1974, or via email at riyadh@mfa.gov.gh.
The advisory comes during the peak Umrah season, when significant numbers of Ghanaian Muslims travel to Mecca to perform the lesser pilgrimage. The warning follows growing concerns over regional instability, with Ghana recently evacuating its embassy staff from Iran as tensions continue to mount across the Middle East.
The development also comes on the heels of President John Dramani Mahama’s warning that the ongoing conflict in the region could have severe economic repercussions for Ghana, including potential fuel price hikes and a rising cost of living should the situation deteriorate further.
