Can Tourists Perform Umrah on a Visit Visa?

12 Sep, 2025

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has introduced significant changes to its visa policies, particularly in relation to tourism and religious pilgrimage. A central question for millions of Muslims around the world is whether tourists can perform Umrah on a visit visa. With Saudi Arabia’s push towards modernization and diversification of its economy under Vision 2030, the Kingdom has opened new doors for international visitors, making religious and cultural experiences more accessible than ever before.

This article explores the 2025 regulations, clarifies the differences between visa types, and provides guidance for pilgrims who wish to perform Umrah while traveling on a visit visa.

Understanding Umrah and Its Importance

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which is restricted to specific dates in the Islamic calendar. While not obligatory, Umrah is considered a highly recommended act of worship and holds immense spiritual value for Muslims worldwide.

Millions of pilgrims from different parts of the globe travel to Saudi Arabia every year to perform Umrah, either on dedicated Umrah visas or through other legal entry permits. With the introduction of tourist visas in 2019, the possibility of performing Umrah under this visa category has become a topic of major interest.

The Evolution of Saudi Arabia’s Visa Policies

Saudi Arabia’s visa policies have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to modernization under Vision 2030. Traditionally, pilgrims could only visit the country on dedicated Hajj or Umrah visas, which restricted travel solely to religious purposes. However, in 2019, Saudi Arabia introduced the tourist eVisa, opening its doors to visitors from dozens of countries for leisure, cultural, and family visits. This landmark reform not only diversified travel options but also allowed tourists to perform Umrah on their visit visas, marking a significant shift from earlier restrictions. By streamlining digital platforms like the Nusuk App, extending visa validity, and introducing multiple-entry permits, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as both a global tourism hub and the spiritual heart of Islam, offering pilgrims unprecedented flexibility and access.

Can Tourists Perform Umrah on a Visit Visa in 2025?

The short answer is yes. Tourists entering Saudi Arabia on a visit visa or eVisa are allowed to perform Umrah. This rule is part of the Kingdom’s strategy to encourage religious tourism, increase international arrivals, and make the holy sites more accessible.

Key Conditions for Performing Umrah on a Visit Visa

• Valid Visa – Travelers must hold a valid visit or tourist visa issued by Saudi authorities.
• Nusuk App Registration – All Umrah bookings, permits, and time slots must be secured through the Nusuk platform, the official government application.
• Exclusion of Hajj – While Umrah is permitted, Hajj cannot be performed on a tourist or visit visa. Hajj requires a dedicated Hajj visa due to strict quotas and regulations.
• Duration of Stay – The length of stay allowed under the tourist visa applies to Umrah as well. Overstaying is strictly prohibited.
• Travel Restrictions – Pilgrims on visit visas may be restricted from performing multiple Umrahs during one trip unless they renew their permits via Nusuk.

Benefits of Performing Umrah on a Visit Visa

Performing Umrah on a visit visa provides several advantages for international travelers:

• Flexibility – Tourists can combine religious pilgrimage with tourism activities such as visiting historical landmarks, cultural festivals, and other Saudi cities.
• Simple Process – Applying for a visit visa online is straightforward compared to traditional Umrah visa procedures.
• Longer Validity – Tourist visas often allow multiple entries and extended validity, giving pilgrims more opportunities to plan their Umrah trips.
• Family Travel – Families can travel together for both leisure and pilgrimage, without needing separate visa categories.

Difference Between Umrah Visa and Visit Visa

To better understand the policy, here’s a comparison:

How to Perform Umrah with a Visit Visa

Performing Umrah with a visit visa in 2025 is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning and adherence to Saudi Arabia’s regulations. Once travelers secure a valid tourist or visit visa, they must register on the official Nusuk App, which is essential for booking an Umrah permit and selecting a time slot to enter the Grand Mosque. Pilgrims are also required to arrange accommodation and transport in advance, ensuring their stay aligns with visa validity. On the appointed day, they can use the QR code generated by Nusuk to access the holy sites and perform the Umrah rituals. Many visitors also extend their journey to Madinah to offer prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, making the visit both spiritually fulfilling and culturally enriching.

Challenges and Considerations

While the option of performing Umrah on a visit visa is welcomed by many, there are some challenges:

• High Demand for Permits – Slots for Umrah rituals may be limited during peak seasons (Ramadan, school holidays).
• Higher Costs – Tourist visas are generally more expensive compared to dedicated Umrah visas.
• No Access to Hajj – Tourists must still apply separately for Hajj, as this pilgrimage is strictly regulated.
• Travel Restrictions – Some countries may still face limitations in obtaining tourist visas due to diplomatic or administrative reasons.

Economic and Religious Implications

Allowing pilgrims to perform Umrah on a visit visa carries both economic and religious implications for Saudi Arabia and the wider Muslim world. Economically, it supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals by boosting religious tourism, increasing hotel occupancy, creating jobs, and generating revenue from travel services. The policy encourages more Muslims—especially those combining leisure and spirituality—to visit Saudi Arabia, contributing to long-term tourism growth. Religiously, it makes Umrah more accessible and inclusive, enabling Muslims from diverse regions to fulfill their spiritual aspirations with greater ease. This dual impact strengthens Saudi Arabia’s role as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites while reinforcing its global image as a welcoming and modernized destination for worshippers and tourists alike.

So, can tourists perform Umrah on a visit visa in 2025? The answer is a resounding yes. With Saudi Arabia’s updated visa framework, tourists holding a valid visit or eVisa can perform Umrah by securing a permit through the Nusuk App. This policy not only enhances accessibility for millions of Muslims but also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goal of boosting tourism and global connectivity.

For pilgrims, this means greater flexibility, ease of access, and the opportunity to combine spiritual journeys with cultural exploration. However, travelers must remain mindful of regulations, avoid overstaying, and always use official platforms for bookings.

The future of pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia is evolving—and the option to perform Umrah on a tourist visa is a historic step forward for the Muslim world.