In a major move to simplify religious travel and expand access to Islamic pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia now allows Muslims holding any type of valid visa to perform Umrah. The decision, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, also introduces the Nusuk Umrah digital platform, offering pilgrims streamlined services and instant access to permits.
Hajj ministry opens umrah access to all visa types
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has officially announced that all Muslim visitors holding valid Saudi visas—regardless of visa type—can now perform Umrah. This includes:
- Personal visit visas
- Family visit visas
- Tourist e-visas
- Transit/Stopover visas
- Work visas
- Other approved entry visa types
In a public statement posted to its official account on X (formerly Twitter), the ministry said,“To facilitate the performance of Umrah for the guests of Allah, all visa holders are allowed to perform the rituals.”The move aims to make the pilgrimage more inclusive and accessible for Muslims across the globe, removing previous visa-type restrictions that limited many from fulfilling the religious rite.
Hajj procedure simplification tied to Saudi vision 2030
This visa relaxation is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader reforms under Vision 2030, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a global destination for religious and spiritual tourism.By opening Umrah access to a wider group of travelers, the Kingdom is taking practical steps to:
- Streamline pilgrimage procedures
- Encourage spiritual tourism
- Ease international arrivals for worship
- Promote digital transformation in Hajj and Umrah services
The ministry emphasized that the initiative supports the “ongoing commitment to enabling Muslims from around the world to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility.”
Hajj services go digital with the new nusuk umrah platform
Coinciding with the visa policy change, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched the Nusuk Umrah platform, an integrated digital system to enhance the pilgrimage experience.Key features of the Nusuk Umrah platform include:
- Direct permit issuance for Umrah
- Customizable pilgrimage packages
- Flexible booking of services and time slots
- Instant digital access for eligible users
Pilgrims can now plan their entire journey online, including obtaining the necessary permits and booking services, making the process more accessible and user-friendly.The ministry encouraged users to visit the platform to explore available packages and obtain Umrah visas instantly.