The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that Muslims holding any valid visa for Saudi Arabia can now perform Umrah, regardless of the visa category. This announcement marks a major step toward broader accessibility for pilgrims worldwide.
In an official statement, the ministry stated that all types of entry visas, including personal, family visit, transit or stopover, work, and tourist visas, are eligible for Umrah. This change allows a wider range of international visitors to include the pilgrimage in their travel plans.
The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to simplify pilgrimage procedures and strengthen its position as a global hub for religious tourism. The move also aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s long-term development framework, which includes making spiritual journeys more accessible for Muslims around the world.
The government has set an ambitious goal of having the capacity of welcoming between 8 million to 30 million Umrah pilgrims each year by 2030. The move also reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to integrate religious and cultural tourism by streamlining processes and modernizing infrastructure.
In support of this initiative, the Ministry has promoted the use of the “Nusuk Umrah” platform. This online system enables pilgrims to select Umrah packages, obtain digital permits, and book services such as transport and accommodation in a single, user-friendly interface.
By removing visa restrictions for Umrah, Saudi Arabia continues to expand access while investing in digital solutions that enhance the pilgrimage experience for millions of Muslims each year.