Umrah made easier: Saudi Arabia allows year-round nonstop entry for GCC visitors | World News
Saudi Arabia 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. 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:
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Umrah visas via the Nusuk platform - Transit visas through partnerships with Saudia Airlines and Flynas
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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.
