Hajj Ministry: Pilgrims Can Perform Umrah on Any Type of Visa

In a major development for the global Muslim community, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that pilgrims can now perform Umrah using any type of visa, including tourist, business, family visit, and transit visas. The decision marks a significant step in the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to simplify access to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, while strengthening its position as a global center for religious tourism.

This landmark announcement aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to enhance services for pilgrims and visitors, diversify the Saudi economy, and expand the number of visitors performing Hajj and Umrah annually.

A Milestone in Umrah Policy

According to the Saudi Hajj Ministry, this new policy eliminates previous restrictions that limited Umrah to holders of specific visas. Now, visitors who enter Saudi Arabia for tourism, business meetings, or family visits can also perform the minor pilgrimage, provided they comply with the general rules of Umrah and local regulations.

The ministry confirmed that the online visa system (eVisa) has been integrated with the Umrah permit system, allowing eligible visitors to easily book and perform Umrah through the “Nusuk” app. This digital integration aims to streamline the entire process, from visa issuance to hotel bookings and transportation.

Facilitating Pilgrims Worldwide

The expansion of visa eligibility is particularly beneficial for Muslims residing in non-Muslim majority countries. Many pilgrims from Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia often face logistical hurdles in obtaining specific Umrah visas. Under the new rules, anyone holding a valid Saudi entry visa can travel to the holy sites without requiring an additional Umrah visa.

The ministry emphasized that this policy applies to all nationalities eligible for Saudi entry visas, and visitors can perform Umrah any time of the year, excluding the Hajj season, which remains reserved for Hajj visa holders.

Key Details of the New Umrah Visa Policy

This change means that even those visiting for short business trips or stopovers can perform Umrah, offering greater flexibility and convenience.

Digital Transformation through the Nusuk Platform

The Ministry highlighted that Umrah permits can now be easily obtained through the “Nusuk” app, a unified digital platform launched by Saudi Arabia to facilitate all pilgrimage-related services. The app allows users to book prayer times at the Grand Mosque, arrange transportation, and secure accommodation in Makkah and Madinah.

This digital transformation reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to enhance the pilgrim experience through smart technology and efficient service delivery. According to the Ministry, the Nusuk platform has already simplified travel for millions of visitors worldwide.

Positive Global Response

The announcement has been widely welcomed by Muslims worldwide. Religious scholars, travel agencies, and community leaders have praised Saudi Arabia’s initiative for making Umrah more inclusive and flexible.

Travel operators report an immediate surge in inquiries for tourist and family visit visas, particularly from countries such as Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the UK, and the United States.

According to travel experts, this policy is expected to lead to a significant rise in short-term Umrah visits, especially among expatriate communities who already travel to Saudi Arabia for other purposes.

Simplified Requirements for Pilgrims

To perform Umrah on any visa type, travelers must:

• Hold a valid Saudi visa (tourist, business, visit, or transit).
• Register and book their Umrah permit through the Nusuk platform.
• Comply with the Kingdom’s health and security regulations.
• Ensure that their stay in Saudi Arabia aligns with their visa validity period.
• No separate Umrah visa or additional documentation is required under the new system.

The decision by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to allow all visa holders to perform Umrah marks a transformative moment for global Muslim travelers. By opening the doors of Makkah and Madinah to visitors of all visa types, Saudi Arabia is reaffirming its commitment to facilitating spiritual journeys while advancing its goals of modernization and religious inclusivity.

This progressive policy not only reflects Saudi Arabia’s evolving approach to pilgrimage management but also symbolizes the Kingdom’s dedication to serving Islam’s holiest sanctuaries with openness and innovation.