Pilgrimage made more accessible: new visas for performing umrah in Saudi Arabia

With each passing year, Saudi Arabia is opening up new horizons for pilgrims seeking to visit holy sites. In 2024, the country significantly simplified the visa process, making umrah more accessible to residents of the Gulf States (GCC), as well as travelers from around the world. The new rules open up additional options for visiting shrines, allowing for the most convenient visa option.

Previously, performing umrah was only possible with a special visa. However, Saudi Arabia now offers several alternative solutions that allow pilgrims to visit holy sites more conveniently and without unnecessary complications.

The kingdom has allowed umrah to be performed by holders of various visas, including:

• Personal visas - allowing them to visit family and friends in Saudi Arabia, as well as visit holy sites.
• US, UK and Schengen visas - holders of these visas can travel to Saudi Arabia without applying for a special visa for umrah.
• Visas on arrival for umrah - citizens of a number of countries including the US, UK, Australia, European Union can obtain an umrah visa directly on arrival in Saudi Arabia

Citizens of GCC countries can perform umrah using:

• Transit visa: an ideal option for those traveling through Saudi Arabia who want to make good use of the layover. A transit visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 96 hours and is processed online in a short time. This allows one to perform religious rituals even during a short stopover.
• Tourist visa: suitable for those who not only want to perform umrah, but also to get acquainted with the culture of Saudi Arabia. It allows you to enter the country multiple times and stay for a longer period of time. This option is especially convenient for those who want to combine a spiritual journey with exploring the sights of the kingdom.

Also, to regulate the flow of pilgrims and ensure the comfort of all visitors, a visit to the Prophet's Mosque in Medina and its famous Al-Rawdah Al-Sharif Hall now requires advance booking through the Nusuk app.

The traditional umrah visa remains available for pilgrims who travel to Saudi Arabia solely to perform umrah. Arrangements are made through accredited travel agencies and the visa does not include the ability to visit other attractions in the country.

Stay up-to-date on visa policy changes and get up-to-date travel planning advice by following the news on Visa-Navigator.com.