Saudi Arabia now permits all visa holders—including tourists and workers—to perform Umrah, as part of Vision 2030 spiritual tourism reforms.

RIYADH: In a major facilitation for Muslim visitors, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially expanded access to Umrah by allowing holders of all visa types to perform the pilgrimage, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to simplify spiritual tourism.

This includes those on tourist, family visit, personal visit, work, transit, and other entry visas, offering broader accessibility to the Two Holy Mosques for millions of Muslims around the world. The ministry emphasised that this Saudi visa update will make the pilgrimage experience more inclusive, efficient, and digitally supported.

The move forms part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation in religious tourism, aiming to attract more pilgrims by removing procedural barriers and enhancing visitor services. It reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to providing a safe and spiritually uplifting environment for Umrah performers from all walks of life.

In line with this announcement, the ministry is also promoting the Nusuk Umrah platform, a digital portal where pilgrims can book Umrah packages, obtain electronic permits, and choose services such as accommodation and transportation. This integrated service model brings greater flexibility and convenience for visitors planning their spiritual journey.

Authorities reiterated that this initiative reflects the continued support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, who aim to enrich the Umrah experience through high-quality services and seamless access. The ministry stated that making Umrah accessible to all visa holders is part of creating a globally welcoming environment for faith-based tourism.

The update is expected to significantly increase the number of Umrah performers in the coming seasons and bolster Saudi Arabia’s religious tourism sector.