DUBAI: Saudi Arabia has introduced new visa options for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents, allowing them to perform Umrah with greater ease.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that GCC travellers can now undertake the pilgrimage using transit and tourist visas, in addition to the traditional Umrah visa.
This move is part of the kingdom’s ongoing efforts to simplify religious travel and support its Vision 2030 objective of increasing religious tourism.
Three visa types now available
GCC residents planning to perform Umrah can now choose from the following visa options:
Transit Visa: Allows a stay of up to 96 hours in Saudi Arabia. Ideal for travellers with layovers, it can be applied for online and is typically processed quickly.
Tourist Visa: Enables visitors to explore Saudi Arabia while also performing Umrah. It allows multiple entries and extended stays.
Umrah Visa: Remains available for those specifically traveling for the pilgrimage. This visa must be obtained through authorised travel agencies or platforms.
Al Rawdah Al Sharif visit requires pre-booking
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has emphasised that pilgrims who wish to visit Al Rawdah Al Sharif at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina must book their visit in advance through the Nusuk application. This measure aims to ensure better crowd management and enhance the overall experience for visitors.
Vision 2030: Boosting religious tourism
Saudi Arabia has also taken significant steps to make Umrah accessible to a wider audience. In August 2024, the kingdom announced that individuals holding any type of visa – including tourism and personal visit visas – can perform Umrah.
Additionally, travellers with valid visas from the United States, the United Kingdom, or Schengen countries are now permitted to perform Umrah while in Saudi Arabia. This means visitors no longer need to apply for a separate Umrah visa, making the process more convenient.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia had introduced the Umrah visa-on-arrival system, allowing eligible travellers from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and others to obtain their visa upon arrival in the kingdom.
These visa reforms align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which focuses on expanding religious tourism and enhancing services for pilgrims. By easing visa requirements and improving the overall pilgrimage experience, the kingdom aims to accommodate a larger number of pilgrims while ensuring seamless access to Umrah.