Saudi Arabia Resumes Umrah Visa From June 10

Riyadh, June 10, 2024 – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially resumed the issuance of Umrah visas for international pilgrims beginning June 10, 2024, marking the start of the Islamic year 1446 AH. This follows the customary suspension of Umrah services during the Hajj season.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that Muslims worldwide can now apply for the pilgrimage through authorized travel agents or via the ministry’s official digital platforms. The resumption is part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to facilitate religious tourism while ensuring safety, efficiency, and streamlined processes for all pilgrims.

Multiple Visa Options Available

Pilgrims can perform Umrah using various visa types, including the traditional Umrah visa, tourist visa, and transit visa. The tourist visa, available to citizens of select countries under Saudi Arabia’s eVisa program, allows visitors to perform Umrah in addition to tourism activities. Transit visas, offered in partnership with Saudi airlines, permit a short stay for pilgrimage purposes.

Digital Services and Nusuk Platform

A key requirement for all pilgrims is registration through the Nusuk app, Saudi Arabia’s official platform for Hajj and Umrah. The app enables users to schedule visits to the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. It also provides access to travel arrangements, accommodation bookings, and other pilgrimage-related services.

Visa Validity and Health Protocols

The Umrah visa is valid for 90 days and includes permission to travel between Mecca, Medina, and other cities. The visa is non-extendable. While most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, pilgrims must still obtain mandatory health insurance and meet certain vaccination requirements, including for meningitis, based on their country of origin.

Saudi authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to visa conditions and using only approved platforms and channels for bookings to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience.

Strengthening Religious Tourism

The move reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative to expand and modernize its religious tourism infrastructure, aiming to accommodate millions of pilgrims annually while integrating advanced digital tools to enhance visitor experience.

For more information and bookings, pilgrims are encouraged to visit the official Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website or use the Nusuk app.