The Minor Pilgrimage Without Bureaucracy: New Visa Rules for Umrah

In October 2025, the Saudi government announced significant changes to streamline the organization of the minor pilgrimage (Umrah), enhancing its accessibility, safety, and convenience. Foreign nationals holding any valid visa category (including tourist, work, transit, or electronic visas) are now permitted to perform Umrah without obtaining a separate permit. However, a limited number of mandatory requirements remain in effect: advance booking of accommodation and compliance with established vaccination protocols.

As part of a comprehensive digital transformation of the Hajj and Umrah sector, these initiatives are designed to facilitate entry procedures, enhance pilgrim comfort, and boost tourist inflows to the country.

The Minor Pilgrimage (Umrah) and Its Distinction from Hajj

The minor pilgrimage, or Umrah, is a voluntary journey that a Muslim can make to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at any time of the year. Unlike the Hajj, which is obligatory for every Muslim at least once in a lifetime (provided they have the health and financial means), the Umrah is voluntary and is not tied to specific dates in the Islamic calendar — it can be performed at any time except during the Hajj period itself.

During Umrah, pilgrims perform a series of spiritual rites, including the circumambulation of the Kaaba — the black cubic sanctuary at the center of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, considered the most revered site in Islam. In contrast to Hajj, the rites of Umrah take less time and do not require participation in large-scale religious ceremonies.

Who Can Perform Umrah

Any Muslim who has reached the age of majority may perform Umrah, regardless of gender, nationality, or social status, provided they comply with Saudi Arabia’s visa and health requirements.

Women may perform Umrah without a mahram (male guardian) provided they travel as part of an organized group or via a licensed tour operator that ensures their safety and compliance with all official procedures. Minors may also participate in the pilgrimage, but only when accompanied by parents or legal guardians.

Therefore, Umrah remains an accessible and spiritually significant form of pilgrimage for men, women, and families with children, uniting believers in their pursuit of inner renewal and prayer.

Visa Requirements for Minor Pilgrimage in 2025: Is a Tourist Visa Acceptable?

On October 7, 2025, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced a significant simplification of the regulations. Foreigners holding any category of Saudi visa (including tourist, work, transit, or business visas) can now perform Umrah. This decision has made the pilgrimage accessible to a larger number of travelers entering with an eVisa or visas issued through Saudi airlines. The possibility to apply for a special pilgrim visa remains available; it is not compulsory for performing Umrah, but may be necessary for individuals participating in organized religious tours or planning an extended stay exclusively for pilgrimage purposes.

Mandatory Requirements: Hotel Booking, Transportation, and Vaccinations

The updated regulations are designed to enhance the comfort and safety of pilgrims. The mandatory requirements now include: 

 – securing accommodation bookings exclusively through licensed hotels on the official Nusuk platform or via accredited tour operators;

– submitting confirmed transportation reservations for any travel between Mecca, Medina, and other cities;

 – completing all compulsory medical procedures established by the Saudi Ministry of Health:

• to obtain vaccination against meningitis at least 10 days prior to travel;

• to undergo vaccination for seasonal influenza, mandatory for all travelers aged six months and above;

• to receive vaccinations against poliomyelitis and yellow fever, if the pilgrim is arriving from a country with registered cases of these diseases.

For those traveling by land transport, official border crossings are designated for entry into Saudi Arabia. Drivers must possess a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration in the Manafith system for third-party liability coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions: Timeframes, Costs, and Visa Regulations in 2025

Can Umrah be performed with a tourist visa?

Yes, this is now officially permitted. Holders of valid tourist, transit, and work visas can perform Umrah, provided they meet all sanitary and organizational requirements.

Can the application be submitted online?

Yes, applications are submitted through the official eVisa portal or the Nusuk platform. Upon uploading all the necessary documents and verifying the accommodation booking, the application is submitted for assessment to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

What is the validity period of the visa?

The standard tourist or electronic visa permits a stay of up to 90 days. This duration is sufficient for performing Umrah and a short-term stay in the country

 

The reforms enacted in October 2025 have streamlined the travel process, enhancing the accessibility, and safety of Umrah. Prospective pilgrims are now advised to focus on key preparatory steps: obtaining a visa online, confirming accommodation bookings, and completing the required vaccinations. This systematic approach guarantees order, effective oversight, and a comfortable experience for all visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia seeking spiritual renewal.