- Kingdom expands access to pilgrimage under Vision 2030 reforms
RIYADH — October 7, 2025 (Agencies): In a landmark move to broaden access to religious pilgrimage, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has announced that all Muslims holding a valid entry visa for the Kingdom are now eligible to perform Umrah.
“Planning to visit Saudi Arabia and perform Umrah? You can perform Umrah rituals with any type of entry visa,” the ministry stated via its official account on X (formerly Twitter). The announcement confirms that personal and family visit visas, transit/stopover visas, work visas, tourist e-visas, and other valid visa types are now accepted for Umrah travel.
The decision is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to simplify pilgrimage procedures, enhance inclusivity, and fulfill the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global hub for religious tourism and digital innovation.
To streamline the process, the ministry has launched the Nusuk Umrah platform, a digital portal that allows pilgrims to select suitable packages, obtain Umrah permits electronically, and book services with flexible timing options. The platform is designed to ensure a smooth and accessible Umrah journey for Muslims worldwide.
“This step reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to facilitating the arrival of the guests of Allah from around the world, enabling them to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility,” the ministry added.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by Muslim communities globally, as it removes previous restrictions and opens new pathways for spiritual travel to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.