Saudi Arabia opens Umrah access to all visa holders The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has announced that individuals holding any type of visa are now permitted to perform Umrah in the Kingdom.
The decision allows Muslims with any type of visa to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.
Gulf News, citing the Saudi Press Agency, reported that the ministry said the move is intended to make Umrah easier and more accessible.
It also supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to increase visitor numbers and develop religious tourism.
Expanded Eligibility for Visa Holders
The Ministry clarified that all visa categories are covered under this new policy. This includes:
- Personal visit visas
- Family visit visas
- Electronic tourist visas
- Transit visas
- Work visas, and others
Previously, only specific visa types allowed for Umrah performance.
In a statement, the Ministry said: “This step underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to enabling Muslims from around the world to perform their rituals with ease and tranquillity.”
Launch of Nusuk Umrah Platform
As part of the changes, the Ministry also noted the introduction of the Nusuk Umrah platform. This digital service allows pilgrims to select Umrah packages, obtain permits, and book supporting services online. It also enables users to choose preferred times for rituals, adding more flexibility to the process.
The Ministry stated that the integrated platform is meant to improve access and convenience for all visitors. It forms part of ongoing digital transformation initiatives within the Hajj and Umrah system.
Government Support for Pilgrimage Services
The Ministry stressed that these developments show the government’s intention to support Muslims coming to the Kingdom for religious purposes. The statement noted the role of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince in enabling a “safe, spiritual environment” for pilgrims.
“These facilitation measures reflect the keenness of the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to provide Muslims with a safe, spiritual environment, along with high-quality services that enrich the Umrah experience,” the Ministry said.
Alignment with Vision 2030
This policy, as stated, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, which include increasing the number of Umrah pilgrims to 30 million annually. The Ministry’s approach includes both logistical improvements and technological integration to achieve this target.
The recent measures are meant to attract more international visitors by removing restrictions linked to visa types. With Umrah access now available to a wider audience, the Kingdom aims to strengthen its position as a central destination for Islamic pilgrimage.
The Ministry confirmed that further updates and expansions to services will be communicated through official platforms.
