Tech Desk 
Feb 04, 2025
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has revealed that residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can perform Umrajh using several visa options, such as transit and tourist visas, in addition to the conventional Umrah Visa.
This progressive initiative aims to streamline the pilgrimage procedure and improve availability for GCC residents. The transit visa enables travellers to stay in the Kingdom for up to 96 hours.
In addition, the ministry underscored that visitors wishing to pray at Al Rawdah Al-Sharif in the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina must make advance bookings through the Nusuk app.
Previously, Saudi Arabia had expanded Umrah eligibility in August 2024, enabling individuals with any type of visa—whether a tourist visa or a personal visit visa—from anywhere in the world to embark on the pilgrimage.
Furthermore, foreign visitors holding international visas from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, or Schengen countries are also allowed to perform the holy pilgrimage while staying in the Kingdom.
These initiatives reflect Suadi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to improve religious tourism while ensuring premium services for pilgrims.
