Major Reform Allows Pilgrimage Performance with All Valid Visa Types

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a major change in Umrah regulations. Now, Umrah can be performed with all types of valid visas. This means anyone entering the kingdom with a tourist, transit, work, or family visa can now perform the Umrah pilgrimage.

This step, part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aims to expand religious tourism while making Umrah pilgrimage more accessible. The updated policy also focuses on modernizing the Umrah experience through digital planning, streamlining procedures, and greater inclusivity, according to Travel and Leisure, Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

Previously, Umrah pilgrims had to go through the official Hajj program or apply for a special Umrah visa. With this new reform, they can now register through the Nusuk platform or through licensed agents, as long as they meet all procedural requirements. This step ensures a smoother and more organized Umrah journey for pilgrims.

Comprehensive Details of New Regulations

Below are the details for Umrah with all types of visas:

• Visitors holding electronic tourist visas, work visas, transit visas, private visit visas, and family visit visas can perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
• Pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia no later than April 13, 2026, and leave the country no later than April 29, 2026. After that date, access to the holy sites for Umrah will be restricted.
• All Umrah pilgrims are required to have confirmed accommodation and pre-booked local transportation through the Nusuk Masar platform. Important permits for Umrah pilgrims, including access to pray at the Rawdah Al Sharifah, must now be obtained through the Nusuk application.

Digital Platform Streamlines Pilgrimage Procedures

Previously, the Saudi government introduced the Nusuk Umrah platform to streamline Umrah travel procedures for international pilgrims. The establishment of the platform, launched on August 20, 2025, aims to make pilgrimage travel smoother and more accessible.

According to an Arab News report from August 1, since the beginning of the 2025 season, more than 1.2 million pilgrims from over 100 countries have performed Umrah. Ministry data shows a significant 30 percent increase in the number of Umrah visa holders entering Saudi Arabia this year compared to the same period last year. Visa issuances also increased by 27 percent, while over 4,200 partnership agreements were signed between domestic Umrah service providers and international agents.

Original Article:

Tempo.co. (2025). New Umrah rules for all types of Saudi Arabian visas. https://en.tempo.co/read/2055639/new-umrah-rules-for-all-types-of-saudi-arabian-visas