Saudi Arabia makes umrah more accessible: new visa options for pilgrims

Saudi Arabia is actively reforming its visa policy to make religious tourism more accessible and convenient for pilgrims. One significant step has been the expansion of visa options for umrah to simplify the travel process. Specifically, residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now avail of not only the traditional umrah visa, but also tourist and transit visas.

Pilgrims traveling from GCC countries can use a transit visa, which entitles them to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours. This is especially convenient for those who are making a layover in the kingdom and want to visit holy sites. Also, a tourist visa, which provides for multiple entries and a long stay, allows not only to get acquainted with the culture and sights of the country, but also to perform religious rites.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is also introducing measures to improve the comfort of pilgrims. One of the innovations is the mandatory pre-booking through the Nusuk app to visit the Al-Rawdah Al-Sharif Mosque in Medina. This decision aims to create a more comfortable environment for pilgrims and prevent crowding.

In addition, the expansion of the visa policy has also affected residents of other countries. Now holders of personal visit visas, visa holders of the US, UK and Schengen countries can perform umrah without the need to obtain a special pilgrimage visa. The visa-on-arrival system, introduced in 2023, allows pilgrims from the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia to apply for an entry permit directly at Saudi Arabia's airport.

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