February 5th, 2025 at 05:37 am

Saudi Arabia Introduces New Visas to Ease Umrah Travel for GCC Residents

Saudi Arabia has recently broadened its visa offerings for residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This initiative aims to make the Umrah pilgrimage more accessible and convenient. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced new visa types, enhancing the travel experience for pilgrims.

New Visa Options for Umrah Pilgrims

The Saudi government’s move is part of a broader strategy to improve pilgrimage accessibility. Now, GCC citizens can perform Umrah using three primary visa types: Transit Visa, Tourist Visa, and the traditional Umrah Visa.

1. Transit Visa

The Transit Visa allows travelers to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours. This option is perfect for those who are transiting through the country and wish to perform Umrah during their layover. Travelers can easily apply for this visa online, and it is typically granted quickly.

2. Tourist Visa

The Tourist Visa offers a flexible option for visitors who want to explore Saudi Arabia while performing Umrah. This visa allows multiple entries and provides a longer stay. It is ideal for those looking to enjoy both leisure activities and religious obligations.

3. Umrah Visa

The traditional Umrah Visa remains available for those solely focused on the pilgrimage. This visa is specifically for religious purposes and does not permit tourism or other activities. Applicants must obtain it through authorized travel agencies or platforms.

Pre-Booking for Al Rawdah Al Sharif Visit

To enhance the Umrah experience, the Ministry emphasizes that pilgrims wishing to visit Al Rawdah Al-Sharif at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina must pre-book their slots. This can be done through the Nusuk application, ensuring crowd control and a smoother visit.

Broader Umrah Eligibility Expansions

In August 2024, Saudi Arabia expanded Umrah eligibility to include holders of various visa types. This change makes it easier for more individuals to perform the pilgrimage.

1. Personal Visit Visa

The Personal Visit Visa allows individuals to visit family or friends in Saudi Arabia while also performing Umrah. This dual-purpose visa enhances the travel experience for those with personal ties to the kingdom.

2. US, UK, or Schengen Visa Holders

Travelers with valid visas from the United States, United Kingdom, or Schengen countries can now perform Umrah during their stay in Saudi Arabia. This measure simplifies the process, eliminating the need for a separate Umrah visa.

3. Visa-on-Arrival for Umrah

In 2023, Saudi Arabia introduced a visa-on-arrival system specifically for Umrah. Pilgrims from countries like the US, UK, and Australia can obtain their visas upon arrival. This change significantly simplifies the travel process.

Aligning with Vision 2030

These visa reforms support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to boost religious tourism and enhance services for pilgrims. By streamlining visa processes, the kingdom seeks to accommodate a larger number of worshippers while ensuring an enriching pilgrimage experience.

Conclusion

With these expanded visa options, GCC residents now enjoy greater flexibility in planning their Umrah journeys. Whether choosing a Transit Visa for a brief stay or a Tourist Visa for a longer visit, Saudi Arabia continues to enhance access to religious travel. This commitment to improved pilgrimage experiences reflects the kingdom’s dedication to serving its visitors effectively.