In 2025, Saudi Arabia took an important step towards openness and digitalization of pilgrimage. Learn about the new Umrah visa rules 2025: how to apply for Umrah through the Nusuk platform, what entry deadlines apply and what pilgrims from different countries need to know

In 2025, Saudi Arabia introduced new Umrah visa rules that make it easier than ever to perform the holy pilgrimage. Under the latest regulations, any valid Saudi visa – including tourist, work, family visit, or even transit – now allows travelers to perform Umrah without applying for a separate pilgrimage visa.

This major policy shift marks a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to simplify travel, boost tourism, and open the doors of Mecca to more Muslims around the world.

We will discuss the new rules for pilgrims and tourists in Saudi Arabia in detail in this article.

Before traveling to Saudi Arabia, be sure to take out travel insurance that covers medical expenses, lost luggage, and unforeseen situations during your trip. A policy from Visit World will help you perform Umrah with peace of mind, knowing that if necessary, you will receive assistance 24/7 anywhere in the world.

What has changed in 2025 in the Umrah visa procedure?

Until recently, pilgrims were required to apply for a dedicated Umrah visa, often through approved agents or special packages. The process could be time-consuming, with limited flexibility for travelers entering Saudi Arabia on other types of visas.

Now, under the new Umrah visa rules 2025, anyone holding a valid visa — whether it’s a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia, a work permit, or a family visit visa — can perform Umrah as long as they register through the official Nusuk platform.

This digital transformation is part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to make religious and general tourism a key pillar of the national economy.

Who Can Perform Umrah in 2025? 

Saudi Arabia’s new policy allows Muslims from across the globe to perform Umrah – including those traveling from the USA, Qatar, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, and other countries. Here’s how it works depending on your visa type:

- Tourist Visa Saudi Arabia – Visitors can enter for leisure or cultural trips and include Umrah in their itinerary.

- Work Visa Holders – Expatriates working in Saudi Arabia can perform Umrah at any time of the year, outside the Hajj period.

- Family Visit Visa – Those visiting relatives in the Kingdom can register for Umrah via Nusuk.

- Transit Visa – Travelers stopping over in Saudi Arabia can also complete Umrah during their stay, provided they have the required bookings confirmed.

This inclusive approach makes Umrah possible for millions of Muslims who previously faced logistical or bureaucratic hurdles.

How to Apply for Umrah Through the Nusuk Platform? 

Performing Umrah in 2025 requires registration through the official Nusuk platform (available at nusuk.sa), which integrates visa services, hotel reservations, and transport arrangements into one system. Step-by-step guide:

Step 1 – Register on the Nusuk portal

Create an account and enter your personal and visa details.

Step 2 – Select Umrah dates and location

Choose your preferred schedule and the city where you’ll begin your journey (Jeddah, Madinah, or Riyadh).

Step 3 – Book accommodation and transport

All bookings must be made through the Nusuk Masar system or licensed travel agents.

Step 4 – Receive digital approval

Once all details are confirmed, you’ll get your electronic permit for Umrah.

This streamlined process eliminates the need for paper documents and ensures a secure, verified pilgrimage experience.

Key Umrah Visa Rules for 2025

While the system is now more open, Saudi authorities have introduced several compliance measures to keep the process organized:

1. Mandatory Bookings via Nusuk

All pilgrims must book hotels and transport through the official Nusuk system. Applications without confirmed bookings are automatically rejected.

2. Entry and Exit Deadlines (follow the dates for a safe transition from Umrah season to Hajj season)

For example, in 2025 it was:

- Last date of entry: April 13, 2025;

- Final date of exit: April 29, 2025.

3. Fines for Overstaying

Pilgrims who do not leave before their visa expiry risk fines and legal penalties under Saudi residency laws.

4. Health and Safety Compliance

Travelers must meet vaccination requirements (meningitis, flu, and other preventive measures).

Umrah Visa from USA and Qatar: What to Know? 

- Umrah Visa from USA

Muslims residing in the United States can perform Umrah using a Saudi tourist eVisa or other valid entry types. Applications can be completed online, and approval often arrives within 24–48 hours. Travelers must still register their journey through Nusuk Umrah Visa services before departure.

- Umrah Visa from Qatar

Residents of Qatar benefit from simplified travel under the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) agreements. Most can apply for entry electronically, often without needing a separate visa process. However, Nusuk registration and confirmed bookings remain mandatory.

Checklist for Pilgrims: How to Prepare?

Before you travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah in 2025, make sure you’ve completed these steps:

1. Valid passport (minimum 6 months before expiration).

2. Approved visa (tourist, work, family, or transit)

3.  Registered profile and booking via Nusuk.sa

4. Hotel and transport confirmation

5. Medical insurance covering travel in Saudi Arabia

6. Mandatory vaccinations (meningitis, flu, polio if applicable)

7. Sufficient funds and local SIM card for communication

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though the process has become easier, many pilgrims still make avoidable errors. Keep these points in mind:

- Don’t book Umrah through unofficial agents or unverified websites.

- Don’t travel without confirmed accommodation and transport via Nusuk.

- Don’t overstay your visa — it can lead to serious penalties.

Always double-check entry deadlines and stay updated on local announcements.

Why These Changes Matter? 

The 2025 updates to Umrah visa rules represent more than convenience – they’re a step toward modernization. The integration of digital tools like the Nusuk Umrah Visa system supports smoother coordination, better data security, and improved planning for millions of pilgrims.

This also supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, encouraging both religious and leisure tourism across the Kingdom – from Mecca and Medina to destinations like AlUla, Jeddah, and Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia’s new Umrah visa rules for 2025 bring flexibility, transparency, and opportunity. Whether you’re visiting family, working in the Kingdom, or exploring on a tourist visa, you can now experience the spiritual blessing of Umrah with less paperwork and greater peace of mind.

With the right planning and the official Nusuk platform, performing Umrah is now more accessible than ever before.

If you are planning a long-term stay, a work or family visa, or have questions about migration rules, consult a Visit World migration lawyer.

Specialists will help you:

- understand the requirements for different types of visas;

- fill out documents correctly;

- avoid mistakes when submitting an application;

- learn about the possibilities of extending or changing your visa status.

Get a consultation from a migration lawyer online right now!

Reminder! Saudi Arabia is lifting a long-standing ban on the purchase of real estate by foreigners. From 2026, expats will be able to invest in housing without residency, sponsors and millions of dollars in investments. We have already talked about the new rules, prospects for investors and key changes for foreigners in the kingdom.

Photo – Freepik