In a major step to make religious travel easier, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has now allowed citizens and residents of Gulf countries to perform Umrah at any time of the year. This new policy is part of Saudi Arabia’s larger plan to increase religious tourism under its Vision 2030 strategy.
Key Highlights from the Announcement
- Open Access for GCC Countries:
People from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar — can now visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah all year round. This means they no longer have to wait for specific seasons or face strict scheduling. - Easy Online Permits Through Nusuk App:
All pilgrims must apply for Umrah permits through the official Nusuk application. This app is designed to make the process smoother and quicker for travelers. It helps with bookings, permits, and guidance. - Multiple Visa Options Available:
People who live in Gulf countries can use different types of visas to perform Umrah. These include: - Umrah visas via Nusuk
- Transit visas (when traveling with Saudi Airlines or Flynas)
- Tourist visas (available on the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website)
News from the Ministry
According to the Saudi Press Agency, since this year’s Hajj season ended, over 190,000 international Umrah visas have already been issued. This quick start shows strong interest from Muslims around the world who are eager to perform Umrah.
What Is Umrah and Why Is It Important?
Umrah is a non-mandatory pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah. Unlike Hajj, which happens at a set time each year, Umrah can be performed any time. Although it is not required like Hajj, Umrah holds great religious and spiritual value for Muslims.
Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
This decision to open Umrah all year aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This national plan is designed to:
- Increase tourism and international visitors
- Make Saudi Arabia a global center for Islamic culture and history
- Diversify the economy beyond oil
By easing travel rules and offering modern digital tools like the Nusuk app, Saudi Arabia is working to become a top destination for religious and cultural tourism.
This is Breaking News for Muslims in the Gulf region. They now have more freedom and flexibility to perform Umrah whenever they want. The new rules show Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to welcoming more pilgrims, making religious travel easier, and strengthening its place in the Muslim world.
