Saudi Arabia Opens Umrah Access to All Visa Holders
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:
In a significant step towards greater inclusivity and accessibility, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that holders of all types of visas are now eligible to perform Umrah while in the Kingdom.
The announcement, made on Sunday through the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), marks a major milestone in the Kingdomâs efforts to simplify pilgrimage procedures and enhance the overall spiritual experience for millions of Muslims around the world.
According to the ministry, this decision covers personal, family, tourist, electronic, transit, and work visas, ensuring that virtually every visitor with legal entry to Saudi Arabia can perform the sacred ritual of Umrah during their stay.
Part of Vision 2030 Goals
The move aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdomâs ambitious national transformation plan that aims to diversify the economy and enhance religious tourism as a key sector of growth.
By opening Umrah access to all visa categories, Saudi Arabia is reinforcing its commitment to making the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah more accessible, welcoming, and efficient for pilgrims.
âThis step underscores the Kingdomâs dedication to enabling Muslims from around the world to perform their religious rituals with ease, comfort, and peace of mind,â the ministry said in a statement.
Officials emphasized that this development builds on a series of reforms introduced over the past few years to simplify visa regulations, streamline digital applications, and expand service options for visitors to the Two Holy Mosques.
Which Visas Are Eligible?
Under the new regulations, anyone holding a valid visa â whether for work, family visit, tourism, or transit â can perform Umrah without needing a separate religious permit.
This includes:
Tourist visas (electronic or on arrival)
Family and personal visit visas
Work and residence visas
Transit visas for short-term travelers
The ministry clarified that visa holders must still comply with basic health and procedural requirements, including registration through approved digital platforms to obtain an Umrah appointment.
Digital Transformation: The âNusuk Umrahâ Platform
To make the experience even more seamless, the ministry highlighted the role of the Nusuk Umrah platform, a comprehensive digital service launched earlier this year.
Through Nusuk, pilgrims can:
Book Umrah packages directly from licensed operators
Select travel dates and timings for rituals
Apply for necessary permits electronically
Reserve transportation, accommodation, and other services in one place
The platform integrates multiple government services, offering pilgrims a user-friendly and transparent way to plan their Umrah journey without relying on intermediaries.
According to the ministry, this digital transformation represents a major leap forward in improving the pilgrim experience, reducing waiting times, and ensuring that every visitor receives reliable information and support throughout their spiritual journey.
Commitment to a Safe and Spiritual Experience
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reaffirmed that these facilitation measures reflect the deep commitment of the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to ensure that all visitors can perform Umrah in a safe, secure, and spiritually fulfilling environment.
Enhanced safety standards, improved transport systems, multilingual guides, and expanded accommodation options are among the key upgrades introduced to support the growing number of pilgrims arriving each year.
A Growing Destination for Religious Tourism
Saudi Arabia has witnessed a sharp rise in visitor numbers since easing its visa regulations. The new policy is expected to further boost religious tourism, allowing millions more Muslims from diverse backgrounds to experience Umrah without additional bureaucracy.
With millions of visitors expected during the upcoming Umrah season, authorities continue to emphasize the importance of planning trips through authorized channels and maintaining the sanctity of the holy sites.
In essence, the new policy marks a turning point for global Muslims, transforming the pilgrimage experience into one of openness and accessibility. By allowing all visa holders to perform Umrah, Saudi Arabia not only simplifies travel for pilgrims but also reaffirms its mission to serve Islamâs holiest sites with excellence, compassion, and innovation.
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