For anyone who has ever dreamed of performing Umrah, the journey just became easier to begin. Saudi Arabia has opened the doors of Umrah to everyone with a valid visa. This step welcomes millions of Muslims to experience the sacred journey in a new, accessible way.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed the news on October 5, 2025, announcing that all visa types now allow entry for Umrah. It means you can perform your pilgrimage whether you hold a tourist visa, visit visa, business visa, transit visa, or work visa.
Understanding the New Visa Rule for Umrah
Until recently, pilgrims needed a dedicated Umrah visa. The new policy changes that completely. If you already have a valid Saudi entry visa, you can plan your Umrah directly through the Nusuk platform, the Kingdom’s official portal for pilgrims and visitors.
Here’s what’s included:
- Tourist and eVisas
- Family and personal visit visas
- Business and work visas
- Transit and stopover visas
All you need is a valid visa, confirmed bookings, and a heart ready for the journey.
This decision is part of a larger vision to make Saudi Arabia a place where spiritual and cultural experiences exist side by side. It’s a change that brings convenience for travelers and opens the gates of Makkah and Madinah to even more believers from around the world.
A Vision Rooted in Accessibility
This step reflects the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to make the Kingdom one of the world’s leading destinations for religious tourism. The aim is to welcome 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030, supported by new infrastructure, digital systems, and hospitality standards designed around comfort and ease.
At its heart, this reform is about connection between people, places, and purpose. It’s about ensuring that every Muslim who dreams of performing Umrah can do so, without unnecessary barriers or complex paperwork.
Booking Your Umrah through the Nusuk Platform
If you’re planning to perform Umrah under the new rule, your journey begins on the Nusuk platform, the official website and app for all pilgrimage services.
Through Nusuk, you can:
- Apply for an Umrah permit
- Choose packages that include accommodation and transport
- Confirm your travel and hotel details
- Receive instant digital approval
Nusuk makes every step transparent and efficient. You’ll find options for licensed hotels, verified transport, and customizable itineraries that suit both solo travelers and families.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recommends completing all bookings through Nusuk or approved travel agents to ensure your visa and permit align correctly before travel.
New 2025 Umrah Requirements to Keep in Mind
Since June 2025, Saudi Arabia has introduced a mandatory pre-booking system for Umrah travelers. This means your hotel and transportation details must be confirmed before you submit your visa or permit request.
Your bookings must include:
- Verified accommodation for the full duration of your stay
- Arranged transport between Makkah, Madinah, and airports
- Licensed service providers listed on Nusuk Masar
If these aren’t confirmed, the application won’t move forward. So planning early makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Health and Vaccination Requirements for Umrah in 2025
All Umrah travelers must follow updated health requirements introduced in February 2025. The essential vaccines include:
- Meningococcal ACYW-135 (at least 10 days before arrival, valid for 3 years)
- Polio vaccine (for travelers from affected countries)
- Yellow fever vaccine (for travelers from risk regions)
The Nusuk system links directly with Absher and Tawakkalna, ensuring your vaccination records, biometric data, and entry permits stay connected in one digital profile. This reduces waiting times at airports and checkpoints while maintaining high safety standards.
Digital Tools Making the Journey Easier
Saudi Arabia’s focus on digital transformation continues to redefine the pilgrimage experience. Through the Nusuk Card and Wallet, pilgrims can manage identity verification, purchases, and emergency support from a single digital account.
There’s also:
- Real-time crowd management
- Smart guidance in multiple languages
- 24/7 on-ground digital support
- Climate-controlled facilities for comfort in warm weather
Together, these innovations make the spiritual experience of Umrah smoother, safer, and more connected.
A Global Invitation
Travel agencies worldwide, from Pakistan and Indonesia to the UK and Malaysia, have already begun offering new Umrah packages under this policy. For Muslims who once needed to apply separately for pilgrimage, this change removes barriers and brings the dream closer.
It also highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing position as a center for faith-based travel and its commitment to creating an experience built on care, organization, and inclusivity.
Bringing the World Closer
Allowing Umrah for all visa holders in Saudi Arabia is a message that worship and welcome can exist together.
Every step in this journey, from the moment you book your visa to the moment you stand in the courtyard of the Holy Mosque, is supported by systems that make your experience easier and more meaningful.
The Kingdom’s reforms are not only changing how people travel, but also how they connect with their faith, with each other, and with the land they’ve always dreamed of visiting.
When you see the minarets of Makkah glimmering at night, or feel the peace that comes with completing your prayers, you’ll know that this change is part of something much larger. A story of access, faith, and shared humanity that continues to unfold every day in Saudi Arabia.
FAQs
What does the new Umrah rule mean for all visa holders in Saudi Arabia?
The new rule allows anyone holding a valid Saudi visa — tourist, business, work, family, or transit — to perform Umrah. You no longer need a special Umrah visa. Simply register through the Nusuk platform and confirm your accommodation and transport before traveling.
How can I perform Umrah with a tourist or visit visa?
You can perform Umrah with a tourist or visit visa by booking your package through the official Nusuk platform. Once your hotel and transport are confirmed, the platform issues your Umrah permit digitally. This process ensures smooth entry to Makkah and Madinah.
Are GCC residents included in the new Umrah policy?
Yes, GCC residents with any valid entry visa can perform Umrah under the new rule.
What are the new health and vaccination requirements for Umrah 2025?
All travelers aged two years and above must present valid vaccination certificates. Required vaccines include Meningococcal ACYW-135, Polio (for affected countries), and Yellow Fever (for risk regions). These records are linked to your Nusuk and Tawakkalna profiles for easy verification.
What is the best way to plan my Umrah trip in 2025?
The best way to plan your Umrah is to use the Nusuk app or website. It lets you book hotels, transport, and permits in one place. Make sure your bookings are made through licensed providers listed on the platform to avoid delays.
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This article is brought to you by Soul of Saudi (a Saudi travel blog dedicated to uncovering the beauty, heart, and soul of the Kingdom).
