The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that visitors holding any type of visa are permitted to perform Umrah during their stay in the Kingdom, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
The move is part of the ministry’s broader effort to simplify pilgrimage procedures and expand access to services for visitors, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The ministry said the permitted visa categories include personal and family visit visas, electronic tourist visas, transit (stopover) visas, work visas, and other visa types.
It added that the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to making it easier for Muslims worldwide to perform their religious rituals “with comfort and peace of mind.”
To facilitate the process further, the ministry recently launched the “Nusuk Umrah” platform, allowing pilgrims to choose packages, book services, and issue Umrah permits electronically. The fully digital system enables visitors to select suitable times and options with flexibility.
The ministry said these initiatives demonstrate “the keenness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince — may Allah protect them — to enable Muslims to visit the Two Holy Mosques and perform their rituals in a spiritual and safe environment.”
It added that the government continues to enhance services to ensure that pilgrims’ journeys are seamless, enriching and spiritually fulfilling.
Previously, only pilgrims with an Umrah visa (issued specifically for the pilgrimage) were allowed to perform Umrah. Tourist visa holders could perform Umrah only if they applied through approved packages or after obtaining special permission via the “Nusuk” or “Eatmarna” apps.
Work visa holders and residents could perform Umrah but had to register and get separate permits for specific time slots. Visit visa holders (personal or family visits) were not automatically eligible — they had to apply for an additional Umrah permit and often faced delays or rejections.
Transit visa holders (those passing through Saudi airports) were not allowed to perform Umrah unless their layover met certain conditions and approval was granted.
Read More: Saudi Arabia unveils new rules for accommodations
Last week, Saudi Arabia unveiled a new temporary licensing system for pilgrim accommodations in Makkah and Madinah during the 2026 Hajj season, aiming to ease housing shortages and improve service quality for millions of worshippers.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that the initiative will allow property owners to obtain seasonal licenses for hosting pilgrims.
Developed in partnership with the ministries of tourism and municipalities and housing, the scheme is designed to expand capacity during the pilgrimage without compromising safety or standards.
Applicants will need to register through the Nusuk Masar platform, with approvals processed via the Ministry of Tourism’s online portal. The contracting period will close on 13 Sha’ban 1447 AH (February 1, 2026). Hotels that already hold year-round tourism licences will not be affected by the new rule.
Officials say linking licensed facilities to the Nusuk booking system will streamline reservations, prevent overcrowding, and create a safer, more organised experience for pilgrims.
