RIYADH: In a landmark move aimed at making Umrah more accessible, Saudi Arabia has announced that all visitors and residents holding any type of visa will now be allowed to perform Umrah during their stay in the Kingdom.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah on Sunday, individuals with personal, family visit, electronic tourist, transit, or work visas as well as other visa categories are now eligible to perform Umrah at any time during their visit.
The ministry said the decision was part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to streamline procedures, enhance pilgrim services, and broaden accessibility within the Haj and Umrah system, in alignment with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
This step reflects the Kingdom’s continuous commitment to facilitating the arrival of Muslims from around the world to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility, the statement said, highlighting the government’s focus on religious tourism and service excellence.
Millions of Muslims from across the globe perform Haj and Umrah every year, with Pakistan consistently receiving one of the largest Haj quotas from Saudi Arabia.
Earlier in July, Pakistan’s federal cabinet approved the Haj Policy 2026, introducing key procedural, financial, and logistical measures to make the pilgrimage more efficient and transparent.
Saudi authorities have also expanded digital services, including online visa applications and mobile apps to book Umrah slots, reflecting the Kingdom’s drive to integrate technology into religious services.