Saudi Arabia Allows Holders of All Visa Types to Perform Umrah

In a landmark decision aimed at enhancing accessibility for global pilgrims, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that individuals holding any type of visa—tourist, transit, work, personal, or family visit—are now permitted to perform Umrah during their stay in the Kingdom. The decision marks a significant expansion of religious tourism opportunities and reflects the country’s continued reforms under its Vision 2030 initiative.

A Major Step Toward Inclusive Religious Access

Previously, performing Umrah was largely limited to pilgrims with specific Umrah or Hajj visas. The new policy eliminates this restriction, allowing millions of visitors already entering Saudi Arabia for various purposes to take part in the sacred ritual. According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the move aims to simplify pilgrimage procedures and accommodate the growing demand from Muslims around the world who wish to visit Makkah and Madinah.

Officials have stated that the decision is part of ongoing efforts to make Saudi Arabia a more welcoming destination for spiritual and cultural tourism. By broadening the categories of eligible visa holders, the Kingdom hopes to increase the number of pilgrims while maintaining efficient and organized services.

Vision 2030 and the Expansion of Religious Tourism

This initiative aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious national plan designed to diversify the economy, boost tourism, and enhance the country’s global engagement. A key component of the vision is to transform the Kingdom into a leading destination for religious and cultural visitors, aiming to host tens of millions of pilgrims annually.

By facilitating Umrah for all visa holders, Saudi authorities are taking practical steps toward achieving these targets. The policy not only supports economic growth through tourism but also strengthens the nation’s role as the heart of the Muslim world. Moreover, it highlights the government’s focus on modernization, digital transformation, and improved service delivery for pilgrims.

Nusuk Platform Simplifies the Umrah Experience

To streamline the process, pilgrims are encouraged to use the Nusuk Umrah platform, an integrated digital service developed to manage the entire pilgrimage experience. Through Nusuk, users can select travel packages, obtain necessary permits, arrange accommodation, and plan their visit to the holy cities seamlessly.

The platform, launched as part of the Ministry’s digital transformation strategy, is designed to minimize bureaucratic hurdles and enhance convenience for international visitors. Officials have noted that the system has already been instrumental in improving coordination and ensuring that pilgrimage operations run smoothly throughout the year.

Strengthening Global Muslim Engagement

Saudi Arabia’s decision to open Umrah to all visa holders has been widely welcomed by Muslims worldwide. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and unity among the global Muslim community. By integrating modern technology and administrative reforms, the government continues to position itself as both a custodian of Islamic heritage and a forward-looking nation dedicated to improving the pilgrim experience.