Image credit: Saudi Press Agency /Website
In a significant move aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that individuals holding any type of visa can now perform Umrah while in Saudi Arabia. The update marks a milestone in the government’s broader initiative to simplify religious travel, enhance digital engagement, and promote spiritual tourism on a global scale.
According to the ministry, this policy applies to all visa categories, including personal and family visit visas, electronic tourist visas, transit visas, work visas, and more. The measure is part of ongoing efforts to streamline procedures for Umrah performers and improve access to the services offered under the Hajj and Umrah system, a Saudi Press Agency report said.
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The move underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to making the pilgrimage more accessible to Muslims worldwide, reinforcing its commitment to facilitating religious journeys “with ease and tranquility,” as noted by the ministry. It also reflects the strategic direction of Vision 2030 in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading destination for Islamic tourism.
Nusuk platform revolutionises Umrah experience
In line with the government’s digital transformation strategy, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also launched the Nusuk Umrah platform, a comprehensive digital portal designed to make planning and executing an Umrah trip more efficient. The platform allows users to select suitable packages, obtain Umrah permits electronically, and book services and timings with flexibility and ease.
The integrated system is aimed at enriching the faith journey of pilgrims by enabling seamless access to critical services. Through Nusuk, users can organise their entire itinerary digitally, enhancing convenience while reducing logistical burdens.
Additionally, the platform reflects the keen interest of the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in ensuring that Muslims around the world can perform their rituals in a safe, spiritually fulfilling environment. The focus remains on delivering high-quality services that elevate the overall experience for Umrah performers.
To further support the surge in pilgrim arrivals, the General Directorate of Passports continues to facilitate the entry of Umrah performers arriving through various international channels, including air, land, and sea ports. The directorate has upgraded all entry points with cutting-edge technology systems and has deployed staff proficient in multiple languages to manage arrivals efficiently.
This multi-channel entry strategy ensures that pilgrims encounter minimal delays and receive assistance in their native languages, creating a welcoming and accessible experience from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom.
Nusuk app downloads soar 150%, covering over 190 countries
In a testament to its global impact, the Nusuk app has now exceeded 30 million downloads, a dramatic increase of 150 per cent from the 12 million recorded in 2024. With more than 90 per cent of users coming from over 190 countries, the app has become an essential tool in facilitating Hajj, Umrah, and other pilgrimage-related services.
The app currently offers over 100 digital services, covering everything from booking Umrah and Al Rawdah Al Sharifah visits to reserving seats on the Haramain High-Speed Railway. It also integrates with travel and hospitality sectors, allowing users to book flights, hotels, and even participate in enrichment tours.
Beyond logistical services, the Nusuk app has expanded to include spiritual tools such as prayer times, access to the Holy Quran, and the Qibla direction. According to the ministry, a major update is planned soon to improve the app’s user interface, aiming to make it the world’s leading digital Islamic platform.
These developments reflect a broader transformation within the Kingdom’s religious tourism sector, driven by the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. By leveraging technology, expanding access, and improving infrastructure, the Kingdom is reshaping the pilgrim experience for millions of Muslims globally.
The combined efforts, from visa facilitation and seamless border processing to the digitization of the pilgrimage journey, highlight Saudi Arabia’s ambition to lead in both faith-based tourism and digital innovation, making the Umrah experience more accessible, efficient, and spiritually rewarding.
