Saudi Arabia Allows All Visa Holders to Perform Umrah Under New Rules

Saudi Arabia has introduced a major change in its pilgrimage policy that will make performing Umrah easier for millions of Muslims worldwide. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that anyone holding a valid Saudi visa, tourist, work, family visit, or even transit, can now perform Umrah.

This update, announced through the Saudi Press Agency, marks a historic step toward a more open and accessible pilgrimage experience.

What Were the Old Rules for Umrah?

Until now, travellers who wished to perform Umrah needed to apply for a special Umrah visa. These visas were usually arranged through designated tour operators or under specific pilgrimage programs. Visitors entering Saudi Arabia on other types of visas were not allowed to perform Umrah.

That meant extra paperwork, separate applications, and often, longer wait times.

The new rule changes that completely. It means a tourist visiting family in Jeddah or a professional working in Riyadh can perform Umrah without applying for a separate visa.

Why the Change Matters

This decision fits into Saudi Vision 2030, the country’s plan to make tourism, especially religious tourism, a key part of its economy. By opening Umrah to all visa types, Saudi Arabia hopes to make it easier for more Muslims to visit Mecca and Medina while also encouraging travel and spending across the country.

New Umrah Visa Rules for 2025

While the new policy makes Umrah more accessible, there are some important rules to follow in 2025:

1. Bookings Through Nusuk Platform

All pilgrims must use the official Nusuk platform (or other licensed travel agents) to register for Umrah, book accommodations, and plan their pilgrimage schedule.

2. Hotel and Transport Confirmation

Starting June 10, 2025, pilgrims need to show confirmed hotel and transport bookings made through the Nusuk Masar system before their visa is approved. Notably, applications without these confirmed bookings will be rejected immediately.

3. Entry and Exit Deadlines

Those performing Umrah on a dedicated Umrah visa must:

• Entry Restrictions: After April 13, 2025, Umrah entries were officially suspended to prepare Mecca and Medina for Hajj pilgrims.
• Visa Resumption: Applications for Umrah visas and permits resumed on June 10, 2025, via the Nusuk platform, allowing pilgrims to plan future visits.

Those who failed to leave on time faced financial fines and possible legal action under Saudi residency laws.

What Pilgrims Should Do

If you’re planning Umrah in 2025, here’s a simple checklist to keep things smooth:

• Choose your visa type: Tourist, work, family visit, or transit. All are valid.
• Register on Nusuk: Schedule your Umrah time, get digital permits, and plan your trip.
• Book through Nusuk Masar: Make sure your hotel and local transport are pre-approved.
• Follow the deadlines: Enter before April 13 and exit by April 29 (if using an Umrah visa).
• Stay compliant: Keep your passport valid and meet health requirements, like mandatory vaccinations.

What This Means for Travellers

This change is a win for both pilgrims and travel agencies. It removes the old visa restrictions and allows Muslims from all over the world, especially from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa, to plan Umrah trips more freely.

But it also means travellers need to plan early. Missing the application window could mean missing the chance to perform Umrah that year.

A More Open and Digital Future

Saudi Arabia’s decision is not just about easier access. It’s about modernising how Umrah is planned and managed, through digital platforms and better coordination.

The new system aims to make Umrah more organised, inclusive, and secure, but also demands better preparation from pilgrims.

So while the process is now simpler, it’s also stricter in terms of planning and compliance.

For those ready to adapt, 2025 could be the year Umrah becomes a more flexible journey, open to anyone with a valid Saudi visa and a bit of smart preparation.