Saudi Arabia Opens Umrah to All Visa Holders in Major Hajj Reforms Ettravelworld

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In a historic reform, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has made a major announcement regarding Umrah. The Ministry, regardless of visa type, will now allow holders of all visas in the Kingdom to perform Umrah. It was announced in the Saudi Press Agency, marking a major change in Hajj policy. The new change is celebrated by pilgrims around the world.

Before this, Muslims who wanted to perform Umrah needed a special Umrah visa or to travel under special Hajj programs. But now, according to the Saudi Press Agency, under the new regulation, visitors with e-tourist, transit, transit, work, family visit or other valid visas will be able to perform Umrah.

The change is a major step in line with Saudi Vision 2030. It aims to diversify the kingdom’s economy by promoting religious tourism. According to the announcement, pilgrims should use the Official Nusuk platform (or other licensed travel agents) for Umrah registration. The Nusuk platform is the main source of Saudi Arabia’s digital Hajj infrastructure.

New rules and requirements for 2025

Some basic requirements include:

Confirmed hotel and transportation bookings

As of June 10, 2025, pilgrims can use verified hotel reservations and pre-arranged local transportation (intercity travel, airport transfers, etc.)

Visa applications that fail to provide approved hotel and transportation listings will be immediately rejected.

Deadlines for 2025

Pilgrims using Umrah visas must enter Saudi Arabia by April 13, 2025 and exit by April 29, 2025. After that, access to the Holy Cities (Mecca, Medina) for Umrah will be restricted. Pilgrims around the world can once again apply through e-visa or other permitted visa types and plan Umrah pilgrimages using the Nusuk platform.

It made pilgrims happy and travel agents around the world happier. Pilgrims now do not need to apply for a separate Umrah visa. Travel agencies in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa and elsewhere are already ready with their packages. However, the new deadline (enter by April 13, exit by April 29) means those who plan late or are unaware of the rules cannot perform Umrah in 2025.

Checklist for pilgrims

To make the most of the new system, pilgrims should:

Select the appropriate visa type: Tourist, transit, business, family visit, etc. All are now valid for Umrah.

Register through the Nusuk platform: Schedule your ritual time, schedule your visits and manage all permit documents.

Book Hotel + Transportation via Nusuk Masar: Secure your visa application with approved contract providers.

Respect the cut-off dates in 2025: Exit by April 13, April 29 (for Umrah Visa holders).

Monitor visa resume tracking: Applications resumed on June 10, 2025.

Check health and document requirements: Valid passport, vaccinations (especially meningococcal) and other compliance steps.

With these, the path to Umrah can now become more inclusive – a spiritual journey that opens up to the wider community.

Saudi Arabia’s decision to allow all valid visa holders to perform Umrah is a strategic opening of Saudi Arabia’s spiritual tourism door. It is a more integrated plan through digital platforms, a more integrated plan and perhaps a redesigned pilgrimage experience for the 21st century.

Again, it comes with sharp deadlines and rigid procedural controls. For many pilgrims, 2025 will test their planning flexibility. Still, for those who prepare well, a trip to Mecca — once blocked by narrow visa routes — can now begin at more gates.

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