Saudi Arabia Announces Major Changes to Umrah Visa Policy
Oct 6, 2025 | 11:27 am
In a major step toward making pilgrimage more accessible, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has announced that holders of any valid visa can now perform Umrah in the Kingdom.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the initiative aims to simplify the Umrah process and expand access for Muslims around the world. It also aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on boosting religious tourism and improving the overall pilgrim experience.
Broader Eligibility for Pilgrims
The new policy covers a wide range of visa categories, including:
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Personal visit visas
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Family visit visas
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E-tourist visas
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Transit visas
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Work visas
A statement from the ministry said, “This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to helping Muslims from all corners of the world perform Umrah with ease, comfort, and peace of mind.”
Digital Services Through Nusuk Platform
To make the pilgrimage process even smoother, the ministry highlighted the Nusuk Umrah Platform, a one-stop digital service where users can:
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Plan and manage their Umrah journey
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Select packages
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Obtain necessary permits
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Book accommodation, transport, and service timings — all online
This digital transformation ensures that every step of the Umrah process is convenient, transparent, and efficient.
Enhancing the Pilgrim Experience
The ministry reaffirmed that these measures are part of the government’s ongoing commitment under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
“Our goal is to provide a safe, spiritual, and well-organized environment for all pilgrims while delivering world-class services that enrich their religious journey,” the ministry stated.
With these new changes, Saudi Arabia is taking another significant step toward making Umrah accessible to millions more Muslims globally, reflecting its dedication to serving Islam and its followers.
