Saudi Arabia Expands Umrah Access for GCC Residents with New Visas

Saudi Arabia has expanded visa options for GCC residents, making Umrah more accessible. Discover new visa types, including transit and tourist visas, and how they streamline pilgrimage travel.

Saudi Arabia has announced a significant expansion in visa options for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents, making it easier to perform Umrah. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that travellers from GCC countries can now undertake the pilgrimage using transit and tourist visas, in addition to the standard Umrah visa.

New Visa Options for Umrah Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia’s initiative is part of its broader efforts to enhance accessibility for pilgrims and streamline travel procedures. Under the updated regulations, GCC nationals can perform Umrah using:

1. Transit Visa
Allows travellers to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours. The Transit Visa is ideal for those transiting through Saudi Arabia and wishing to perform Umrah during their layover. It can be applied for online and is often granted quickly.

2. Tourist Visa
Provides a flexible option for those visiting for leisure while also performing Umrah. The tourist visa allows multiple entries and a longer stay, making it convenient for those who want to explore Saudi Arabia beyond their religious pilgrimage.

3. Umrah Visa
The traditional Umrah Visa specifically for religious pilgrimage remains available. It is granted solely for Umrah purposes and does not permit tourism or other activities. Applicants must apply through authorized travel agencies or platforms.

Pre-Booking Required for Al Rawdah Al Sharif Visit
As part of the Umrah process, the ministry has emphasized that pilgrims wishing to visit Al Rawdah Al-Sharif at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina must book their slots in advance through the Nusuk application. This measure ensures crowd control and a smooth experience for visitors.

Broader Umrah Eligibility Expansions
Saudi Arabia has been actively working on increasing accessibility for Umrah pilgrims. In August 2024, the kingdom extended Umrah eligibility to holders of all types of visas, including:

1. Personal Visit Visa
The Personal Visa Visa allows individuals to visit family or friends in Saudi Arabia and also perform Umrah. It offers a dual purpose, making it suitable for those with personal connections in the kingdom.

2. US, UK, or Schengen Visa Holders
Travellers holding valid visas from the United States, United Kingdom, or Schengen countries can perform Umrah while visiting Saudi Arabia. This allows easy access without requiring a separate Umrah visa, streamlining the travel process.

3. Visa-on-Arrival for Umrah
In 2023, Saudi Arabia introduced the Umrah visa-on-arrival system, attracting global attention. Pilgrims from countries like the US, UK, Australia, and others can now obtain their visas upon arrival, simplifying travel.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Religious Tourism 
These visa reforms align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to boost religious tourism and provide high-quality services for pilgrims. By simplifying visa processes, the kingdom seeks to accommodate a greater number of worshippers while ensuring a smooth and enriching pilgrimage experience. 

Final Thoughts 
With these expanded visa options, GCC residents now have more flexibility in planning their Umrah journey. Whether through a transit visa for a brief pilgrimage or a tourist visa for an extended stay, Saudi Arabia continues to make religious travel more accessible and efficient.

Source: https://travelobiz.com/saudi-arabia-expands-umrah-access-for-gcc-residents-with-new-visas/