Umrah Visa Issuance Re-opens Amid Post-Hajj Season

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has started issuing the Umrah visa amid the post-Hajj season, according to the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday, June 20th.

The issuance of Umrah visas re-opens following the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Previously, the ministry ceased issuing Umrah visas on Nusuk for one month beginning May 23rd.

Nusuk serves as the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s one-stop-shop spiritual platform for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims’ planning and booking needs.

The site resumes visa issuance from Dhul Hijjah 15, or June 21st according to the Gregorian calendar.

Streamlining pilgrims’ arrival experience

According to the Saudi Press Agency’s news release, the issuance of the Umrah visa was re-opened to streamline the arrivals of Umrah pilgrims and to make their experience a smooth and hassle-free one.

“[This initiative] leverages the ministry’s experience and establishes technical and field programs to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers and facilitate their rituals,” the press release stated.

“The ministry is working diligently to commit to implementing the directives of wise leadership, accommodating more pilgrims and Umrah performers, and providing services that meet their needs and aspirations.”

Changes to the new Umrah visa rule

The new Umrah season in 2024 is set to coincide with the beginning of the new Islamic year on Muharram 1 1446.

Umrah pilgrims can start to arrive in Saudi Arabia beginning July 19th.

In April 2024, it was reported that Saudi authorities made changes to its Umrah visa rule.

Under the old Umrah visa rule, the validity of the Umrah visa began upon entry into Saudi Arabia.

Under the new Umrah visa guidelines, meanwhile, the Umrah visa is valid for three months or 90 days from its month of issuance.

The typical Saudi tourist visa also has a validity period of 90 days.

However, in contrast to the traditional Saudi tourist visa which allows multiple entries, the Umrah visa only permits a single entry into Saudi Arabia.

Umrah pilgrims must remember that the Umrah visa does not allow them to seek employment or perform activities that are not related to the Umrah pilgrimage.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah urged and reminded pilgrims to observe the proper use of the Umrah visa and depart Saudi Arabia before it expires.

“Concluding your spiritual Umrah journey with a timely departure before your visa expires is unparalleled,” remarked the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Hajj visa restrictions

Similarly, Hajj visas must be exclusively used for the performance of Hajj in 2024, as announced by Saudi authorities in May 2024.

It must be used solely as an entry permit and it is not valid for work, residency, or travel outside the designated holy cities.

Visitors who violate the restrictions of a Hajj visa face may result in the pilgrim being banned from performing Hajj and in deportation.

Currently, Muslims of all nationalities, except those who are citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—are required to apply for a Hajj visa.

Also in May 2024, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced stringent penalties for individuals entering Mecca; the holy cities of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah; or transit areas such as the Haramain train station; without a Hajj permit.

Violators will be slapped with a SAR 10,000 fine.

Photo by Sam Riz on Unsplash