The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced amendments to the Umrah visas to create transparency and ensure high-quality services for pilgrims during the pilgrimage season. These amendments will impact both the travel requirements and the services available for travelers visiting Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, visit either Holy Mosques or attend other Umrah areas during 1446H (2025).
Travelers can apply for the Umrah visa via the Nusuk platform. The entire application process is conducted online and operated by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Despite the following amendments to the visa, applications to extend the Umrah visa and pay the applicable fee will still need to be made in person.
From the month of Muharram, the new Umrah amendments will include:
- Transportation between Makkah and Madinah will now have air conditioning.
- Residential units will be opened close to the Holy Mosques for pilgrims.
- New traffic regulations will be introduced to reduce congestion.
- Additional land and sea ports will be opened to meet the influx of travelers.
- Updates will be made to modernize the electronic visa application process.
- Health and security measures will be updated for 2025.
The most notable of these amendments comes from the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For Umrah 1446H, the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority will be verifying that travelers are vaccinated for COVID-19, meningitis, and seasonal influenza. Some travelers may also be required to have up-to-date vaccination records for polio and yellow fever if they’re traveling from a state with reported cases.
Pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah should expect to encounter health authorities at points of entry to the kingdom. Transport will be inspected for cleanliness and travelers should ensure they carry documentation for any chronic diseases they may have. Medications and vaccinations will be administered as needed.
Health authorities will also provide advice on cleanliness, avoiding food and water-borne diseases, and staying hydrated during pilgrimage.