Latest news with #Nusuk
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Time of India
Umrah made easier: Saudi Arabia allows year-round nonstop entry for GCC visitors
has officially opened up year-round access for Gulf citizens and residents to perform Umrah, allowing pilgrims from UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar to enter the Kingdom at any time. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The announcement was made by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which confirmed that eligible pilgrims can apply for permits via the official Nusuk application, streamlining the process for regional visitors. Multiple Visa Options Available Residents of GCC nations can perform Umrah using various visa types, including: Umrah visas via the Nusuk platform via the Nusuk platform Transit visas through partnerships with Saudia Airlines and Flynas Tourist visas issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal This expansion offers more flexibility and ease of access for Gulf-based pilgrims who wish to undertake the spiritual journey outside of the traditional Hajj season. Part of Saudi Vision 2030 Goals The new policy aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global centre for religious and cultural tourism. By easing Umrah-related travel restrictions, the government is actively encouraging spiritual tourism as a key component of its economic diversification efforts beyond oil. The Ministry highlighted that over 190,000 international Umrah visas have already been issued since the end of the recent Hajj season, a figure reported by the Saudi Press Agency. Understanding Umrah's Significance Unlike Hajj, which occurs during a specific period in the Islamic calendar and is mandatory once in a lifetime for eligible Muslims, Umrah is a non-compulsory pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year. Though shorter and less complex, it holds profound spiritual importance and remains a deeply cherished act of worship for Muslims globally.
UAE Moments
01-07-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
GCC Residents Can Now Perform Umrah on Several Visa Types
Heading to Makkah for Umrah? Great news—GCC residents no longer need a dedicated Umrah visa to perform the pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia has updated its visa rules, making it much simpler for Muslims living in Gulf countries to undertake Umrah using tourist, transit, or traditional Umrah visas. Announced earlier this week, the new policy allows travelers to enter the Kingdom and perform Umrah and prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, as long as they secure a valid visa and a permit through the Nusuk app. To pray in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah —the sacred chamber in Madinah—you'll also need a special prayer permit. Previously: Pilgrims were required to apply for a specific Umrah visa, valid for 90 days, to enter through Riyadh or Jeddah and travel onward to Makkah. That has now changed for the better. Visa Options Now Available for Umrah: Tourist Visa (eVisa): Originally launched in 2022, this allows for a 12-month stay for tourism—including Umrah. GCC residents can apply online in advance. Transit Visa: For those stopping over in Saudi Arabia en route, this now provides an option to complete Umrah during the layover. Umrah Visa: Still available and valid, especially for those who prefer going the traditional route. Business & Family Visit Visas Though not currently included in the Umrah update, Saudi Arabia has introduced a 'Visiting Investor' visa —a digital option for foreigners to explore business opportunities. In addition, residents can invite family using the Family Visit Visa, especially for first-line relatives like spouses, parents, or children. While the updated rule makes Umrah more accessible, there's no official update yet on country-specific restrictions for certain nationalities. Stay tuned as those details may emerge soon. For now, if you're a resident of the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, or Qatar, you're one visa and one app away from your next spiritual journey.
Gulf Business
01-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
New Umrah season: How many visas have been issued so far?
The The Umrah season formally began on Tuesday, 14 Dhu Al-Hijjah 1446 AH (June 10, 2025), with visa applications opened through the country's integrated digital platform, 'Nusuk'. The move aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader goals under Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing religious tourism and modernising services provided to pilgrims. Read- According to a r The early rush of Umrah applications follows a notably successful Hajj season, during which the country implemented streamlined procedures, boosted technical infrastructure, and achieved significant gains in performance and service efficiency. These upgrades contributed to a smoother and more fulfilling experience for pilgrims. Passports directorate launches 30-day grace period for expired visit visas In a related development, the General Directorate of Passports launched a 30-day initiative beginning Muharram 1, 1447 AH, to allow the Eligible individuals must pay any required fees and penalties as per regulations. Applications for extension can be submitted via the 'Tawasul Service' on the Ministry of Interior's Absher electronic platform. Authorities have urged all those affected to take advantage of the grace period and ensure compliance before the deadline to avoid legal complications. Housing contracts now mandatory for Umrah Visa issuance Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a directive requiring Umrah companies, establishments, and international agents to document housing contracts for all Umrah performers. These This new measure aims to improve service quality, protect pilgrim rights, and ensure regulatory compliance. The issuance of Umrah visas is now contingent upon submitting a documented accommodation contract. The policy took effect at the start of the Umrah season and reflects enhanced cooperation between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Tourism. Authorities stressed that early documentation is crucial to avoid processing delays or potential violations. This initiative is expected to enhance safety, comfort, and the overall experience for Umrah performers from arrival to departure, while also regulating the hospitality sector during peak seasons. Umrah season launch reflects broader Vision 2030 goals The launch of the 1447 AH Umrah season not only signals the return of millions of religious visitors but also underscores Saudi Arabia's push to realize the objectives outlined in Vision 2030, particularly in the area of religious tourism. According to the Ministry, the Nusuk app continues to play a central role in this transformation. It enables pilgrims to obtain permits digitally, access real-time updates, and receive support in multiple languages. Technical preparations began well in advance of the season's opening, with coordination from several government agencies to ensure high service standards. Efforts have also These enhancements are part of a broader plan to position the Kingdom as a leader in smart pilgrimage management, ensuring that visitors to the Two Holy Mosques enjoy a spiritually fulfilling and comfortable experience. As the 1447 AH Umrah season progresses, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is expected to continue introducing reforms and technological innovations to streamline the pilgrimage journey. With early indicators pointing to strong demand, the Kingdom remains committed to offering an elevated level of service, while maintaining safety, efficiency, and transparency across all stages of the Umrah process.
The National
01-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Saudi Arabia opens year-round Umrah access to Gulf citizens and residents
Saudi Arabia 's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that citizens and residents of Gulf countries can now perform Umrah at any time of the year. The decision allows citizens of Gulf Co-operation Council states — the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar — to enter the kingdom any time to perform the pilgrimage as long as they apply for permits through the official Nusuk application. The announcement marks an easing of restrictions and is in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to boost the kingdom's role as a religious and cultural hub while diversifying its economy beyond oil. The measures come just weeks after the kingdom resumed international Umrah visa issuance, following the conclusion of this year's Hajj. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said on Monday that more than 190,000 Umrah visas have been issued to pilgrims from outside the Kingdom since the start of the Umrah season, according to the official Saudi Press Agency. Umrah is a non-mandatory Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specific period in the Islamic calendar. Although shorter and less complex than Hajj, Umrah holds great spiritual significance for Muslims around the world.
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi: Over 190,000 Umrah visas issued since start of the season
RIYADH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that the number of Umrah visas issued to pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom has exceeded 190,000 since the start of the Umrah season on Dhul Hijjah 14, corresponding to June 10, until Monday, June 30. The ministry facilitated the issuance of Umrah visas through the Nusuk platform. This marks the beginning of a new phase of facilitating the pilgrimage services, in line with the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to enhance the pilgrims' experience under Saudi Vision 2030. The ministry confirmed that the issuance of Umrah permits for pilgrims began on Wednesday, June 11, via the Nusuk app, which is the unified digital platform for providing government services to pilgrims and visitors. The platform enables users to book and issue permits easily, in addition to offering a wide range of digital services to support and enhance the Umrah experience. The early surge in Umrah visa applications follows a highly successful Hajj season, characterized by streamlined procedures, improved performance, and upgraded technical infrastructure, all contributing to greater efficiency in services provided to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. This reflects the Kingdom's leadership in serving visitors to the Two Holy Mosques and achieving the highest levels of comfort, safety and satisfaction for pilgrims. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
