Umrah 2025: Key Rules UAE Residents Must Know Before Travel
Umrah 2025: Key Guidelines for UAE Residents Travelling to Saudi Arabia
Performing Umrah — the lesser pilgrimage to Makkah — has become more convenient for UAE residents following a set of new rules and digital updates introduced by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. These measures are designed to simplify the process, enhance safety, and improve the overall experience for pilgrims while supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
Whether you’re travelling by air or road, here’s a complete guide to the latest requirements for Umrah 2025.
1. New Visa Validity Rules
The Umrah visa validity period has been shortened from three months to one month from the date of issuance.
However, once you enter Saudi Arabia, you can stay for up to three months — the duration of stay remains unchanged.
This change encourages pilgrims to plan their journeys promptly after visa approval. The Ministry clarified that the update aims to manage the growing number of pilgrims efficiently while ensuring that travel and accommodation systems operate smoothly during peak seasons.
2. All Visa Types Are Now Eligible for Umrah
A major update allows holders of all visa types to perform Umrah.
This includes:
Tourist visas
Family visit visas
Transit visas
Personal or work visas
Electronic and GCC resident eVisas
This means UAE residents can now perform Umrah even if they hold a tourist or GCC eVisa, making the process more flexible than ever.
Travellers using Saudi Airlines or Flynas can also apply for transit visas directly through official airline websites (saudia.com or flynas.com).
The Saudi Press Agency stated that these changes are part of efforts to make Umrah accessible to all Muslims wishing to perform the rituals “with ease and tranquillity.”
3. Use the ‘Nusuk Umrah’ Platform for Direct Applications
Pilgrims can now apply for their Umrah visas and book related services directly online through the official Nusuk Umrah platform at umrah.nusuk.sa.
The platform offers a one-stop solution to:
Apply for an Umrah visa
Book accommodation and transport
Customise travel packages
Make secure online payments
Schedule visits to holy sites and tours
By removing the need for intermediaries or travel agents, the platform ensures transparency, affordability, and convenience. It’s also part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push toward digital transformation in religious tourism.
4. Hotel Booking Now Mandatory
Saudi authorities have made verified hotel booking mandatory for all international Umrah pilgrims before the visa is issued.
Key points to note:
Hotels must be licensed and approved by the Ministry of Tourism.
Accommodation bookings must be digitally documented on the Nusuk Masar platform before visa approval.
The rule applies to all service providers, travel agencies, and tour operators.
This measure ensures that every pilgrim has secure, confirmed accommodation and helps prevent fraudulent bookings or overcrowding in Makkah and Madinah during peak periods.
5. Mandatory Vaccinations for Umrah Pilgrims
The Saudi Ministry of Health has updated vaccination requirements for all Umrah travellers.
Here’s what’s required:
Meningitis Vaccine:
Must be taken at least 10 days before travel.
Quadrivalent Polysaccharide Vaccine (valid for 3 years)
Conjugate Quadrivalent Vaccine (valid for 5 years)
Influenza Vaccine:
Mandatory for all travellers aged six months and above.
Must be taken at least 10 days before travel and within the last 12 months.
Vaccines are available at public hospitals, private clinics, and government health centres across the UAE.
Travellers are encouraged to book vaccinations one month in advance to ensure timely certification and approval.
6. Road Travel Regulations for UAE Residents
Many UAE residents prefer to drive or travel by bus to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. To do so, specific border and vehicle regulations apply.
Approved land border entry points:
Ar Ruqi
Al Khafaji
King Fahd Causeway
Salwa
Al Batha
Empty Quarter
Al Haditha
Al Durrah
Al Jadeedah
Halat Ammar
Al Wadiah
Driving requirements:
Valid UAE driving licence
Vehicle with valid Saudi-recognised insurance
Valid passport, Emirates ID, and Umrah visa obtained through the Nusuk app
Travellers must also purchase Third-Party Liability (TPL) insurance, which covers damages to others in case of accidents.
This can be purchased through the Manafith system or the Manafith app on Android and iOS.
Note: TPL insurance does not cover personal or vehicle damages — only third-party liabilities.
The Nusuk app is also required for:
Booking Umrah appointments
Scheduling visits to Al Rawda Al Sharifa (at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, peace be upon him)