Saudi Arabia has made a groundbreaking announcement, opening the doors of Umrah, the minor pilgrimage, to individuals holding various types of visas.
In a recent statement, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah declared, "Arrivals from anywhere and with any visa can perform Umrah with ease and comfort."
This inclusive approach extends Umrah rituals to holders of all visa categories, including personal, family, transit, labor, and e-visas. Regardless of visa type, pilgrims now have the opportunity to embark on the spiritual journey of Umrah.
To streamline the process, the ministry encourages the use of the Nusuk app, which facilitates obtaining Umrah permits and adhering to designated ritual timings at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam.
The Nusuk platform further assists with accommodation arrangements, catering to the needs of Muslims planning their Umrah pilgrimage and visit to Medina, the second holiest site in Islam.
Saudi Arabia's recent initiatives aim to accommodate millions of Muslims worldwide, especially those unable to participate in the annual Hajj pilgrimage due to various constraints. These enhancements include extending the Umrah visa duration from 30 to 90 days, enabling entry through all land, air, and sea ports, and eliminating the requirement for female pilgrims to be accompanied by male guardians.
Moreover, expatriates in Gulf Cooperation Council countries and holders of Schengen, US, and UK visas can now conveniently book Umrah appointments via the Nusuk app prior to their arrival in Saudi Arabia.
