Umrah Now Open to All Visa Holders, Says Ministry of Hajj and Umrah

In a significant move to enhance religious tourism and accessibility for Muslims around the world, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially announced that all types of visa holders are now eligible to perform Umrah. This includes tourists, business visitors, family visit visa holders, and individuals entering the Kingdom on various other short-term visas.

The landmark decision is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to streamline the pilgrimage process and encourage more Muslims to visit the Kingdom throughout the year. The Ministry confirmed that this update aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to boost spiritual tourism while ensuring seamless services for pilgrims from around the world.

Expanding Access for All Muslims

Previously, performing Umrah was restricted mainly to pilgrims holding specific Umrah or Hajj visas issued through licensed agents. However, under the new policy, anyone possessing a valid Saudi entry visa — including tourist, business, or family visit visas — can now undertake Umrah rituals in Makkah without needing to apply for a special visa.

According to a statement by the Ministry, this decision is intended to make Umrah accessible, flexible, and inclusive, especially for Muslims who wish to perform the pilgrimage outside the traditional Hajj season. It also supports the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy by promoting religious and cultural tourism.

The Ministry emphasized that visitors must ensure their visas remain valid throughout their stay and that all Umrah rituals must be completed before the visa expires.

Boost to Religious Tourism and Economy

The announcement is expected to significantly increase the number of pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia in the coming months. The change will particularly benefit Muslims residing in countries where obtaining a dedicated Umrah visa was previously time-consuming or costly.

The policy also comes as Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of Haramain High-Speed Railway, new airport facilities, and enhanced accommodation options in Makkah and Madinah. These developments aim to provide pilgrims with an improved and comfortable experience during their stay.

Tourism experts believe this new step will give a substantial boost to the Saudi hospitality, transport, and service sectors. With more visitors eligible to perform Umrah, the Kingdom anticipates millions of additional arrivals over the next few years.

Simplified Procedures via Nusuk Platform

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also highlighted the use of the Nusuk platform — the official digital portal for Umrah and Hajj services — as the central hub for booking, planning, and organizing pilgrimages.

Through the Nusuk app, travelers can easily:

• Book Umrah permits and prayer slots at the Grand Mosque.
• Arrange transport and accommodation packages.
• Access up-to-date information on visa regulations, health guidelines, and travel procedures.

This integration of digital services has made the process smoother and more transparent, ensuring that pilgrims can perform their religious duties with ease and confidence.

A Step Toward Inclusivity and Ease

Officials from the Ministry stated that this inclusive policy demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims globally. By allowing all visa holders to perform Umrah, Saudi Arabia is removing barriers that previously limited access to one of Islam’s most cherished spiritual journeys.

A senior official commented, “Our goal is to make Umrah accessible to every Muslim who enters the Kingdom legally. This decision reflects our dedication to facilitating religious journeys in line with Saudi Vision 2030.”

For many Muslims, this means they can now combine tourism, family visits, or business trips with the opportunity to perform Umrah, creating a more spiritually fulfilling experience during their stay in the Kingdom.

Growing Global Response

The response to this announcement has been overwhelmingly positive across Muslim-majority countries. Travel agencies, tour operators, and airlines have already begun updating their packages to include Umrah options for travelers holding valid Saudi visas.

In Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Egypt — countries that send millions of Umrah pilgrims each year — the news has been met with enthusiasm and gratitude. Many pilgrims expressed relief at the simplified process, which eliminates the need for separate visa applications.

One traveler from Indonesia shared, “This is a blessing for Muslims worldwide. It allows us to plan our trips more freely and perform Umrah whenever we visit Saudi Arabia.”

Looking Ahead

The Saudi government’s continuous reforms in the religious tourism sector underscore its ambition to host over 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030. This policy, opening Umrah to all visa holders, marks another milestone toward that vision.

With improved infrastructure, digital innovation, and global connectivity, Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as the center of Islamic pilgrimage and hospitality.

As the new rule takes effect, millions of Muslims around the world are expected to take advantage of this opportunity — performing Umrah with greater convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind.

In summary, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s announcement that all visa holders can now perform Umrah is a historic and inclusive step. It simplifies access, supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, and strengthens Saudi Arabia’s standing as a global hub for faith-based tourism.