In a landmark move, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that foreign nationals holding any type of valid Saudi visa are now eligible to perform Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah.
This decision extends eligibility beyond traditional Umrah visa holders to include those on visit, tourist, work, family, and transit visas, allowing greater access for Muslims already present in the Kingdom. The ministry stated that this initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to enhance religious tourism and simplify travel procedures for pilgrims.
To streamline the process, visitors can now use the Nusuk Umrah platform, an official digital service that enables users to book Umrah permits, schedule timings, and arrange accommodation and transportation.
The government emphasized that visa holders must possess a valid entry status to perform Umrah and are required to comply with all residency and security regulations during their stay.
Officials said the move will not only make pilgrimage more accessible to millions of Muslims worldwide but also support Saudi Arabia’s goal of welcoming over 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by the end of the decade.