The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that visitors holding any type of visa are
now allowed to perform Umrah during their stay in the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press
Agency.
This major development is part of Saudi Arabia’s continuous efforts to simplify pilgrimage
procedures and expand access to religious services, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision
2030.
All Visa Categories Eligible for Umrah
The ministry confirmed that the permitted visa types include:
• Personal and family visit visas
• Electronic tourist visas
• Transit or stopover visas
• Work visas
• Other valid entry categories
This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s strong commitment to making it easier for Muslims
around the world to perform their religious duties with comfort, convenience, and peace of
mind.
Digital Convenience Through Nusuk Umrah Platform
To make the process even easier, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the “Nusuk
Umrah” platform, which allows visitors to:
• Choose Umrah packages
• Book services and accommodations
• Obtain Umrah permits electronically
The digital system gives pilgrims complete flexibility to select suitable times and services
based on their preferences, ensuring a smooth and organized pilgrimage experience.
Continuous Improvements for Pilgrims
The ministry emphasized that these efforts demonstrate the dedication of the Custodian of the
Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to help Muslims perform Umrah
and Hajj in a safe, spiritual, and well-managed environment.
Saudi Arabia continues to upgrade services to make every pilgrim’s journey more seamless,
enriching, and spiritually fulfilling.
Previous Visa Restrictions
Previously, only individuals holding an Umrah visa could perform the pilgrimage. Tourist visa
holders could participate only through approved packages or by obtaining permission via the
Nusuk or Eatmarna applications.
Work visa holders and residents needed to apply for separate permits for specific time slots,
while visit visa holders faced additional application steps that often led to delays. Transit visa
holders were also limited, requiring approval only under special conditions.
New Temporary Licensing for Hajj Accommodations in 2026
In related news, Saudi Arabia recently introduced a temporary licensing system for pilgrim
accommodations in Makkah and Madinah for the 2026 Hajj season. The goal is to reduce
housing shortages and enhance the quality of services for millions of visitors.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in collaboration with the Ministries of Tourism and
Municipalities and Housing, will allow property owners to obtain seasonal licenses to host
pilgrims safely and efficiently.
Applications will be managed through the Nusuk Masar platform and processed via the
Ministry of Tourism’s online portal. The contracting window will close on 13 Sha’ban 1447 AH
(February 1, 2026). Hotels with existing year-round tourism licenses will remain unaffected.
Officials stated that connecting licensed accommodations to the Nusuk booking system will
streamline reservations, prevent overcrowding, and create a more organized and secure
experience for pilgrims.