Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that no new requirements have been introduced for Umrah, while expanding the options available to pilgrims through a multiple-entry visa, wider online booking and a deeper use of digital services. The clarification came from Abdulmohsen Al Salem, the ministry's Undersecretary for Umrah and Visit Affairs, in remarks published on September 16, 2026.
The comments arrive as the 1448 AH Umrah season enters its final months and the ministry prepares for the higher demand that traditionally builds toward the year's peak periods. Al Salem stressed that the ministry is working to develop the Umrah journey and raise the quality of the experience for what officials describe as the Guests of Allah.
Multiple-entry visa and easier booking
According to Al Salem, one of the most prominent recent initiatives is the multiple-entry Umrah visa, which allows eligible pilgrims greater flexibility in planning repeat visits without applying for a fresh visa each time. He described the measure as a model for developing arrival procedures and giving pilgrims more control over how they plan their journeys.
The ministry is also widening direct access to Umrah services through approved global and local online travel platforms. This lets pilgrims plan trips, access services and complete bookings with greater ease. Al Salem said these steps form part of a broader effort to raise the competitiveness of the Umrah sector while keeping procedures simple.
He was firm that these are additions, not restrictions. "There are no new requirements for Umrah," he said, adding that the ministry continues to work to facilitate procedures. Pilgrims from 170 countries can continue to arrive under existing arrangements.
Digital services and artificial intelligence
The Umrah journey has now reached an advanced level of digital integration. The Nusuk application and platform provide more than 150 digital services to over 51 million users from more than 170 countries, alongside direct access to service and package bookings through approved travel platforms.
Al Salem highlighted several tools built on artificial intelligence. The Nusuk AI service acts as an intelligent digital assistant inside the Nusuk app, answering pilgrim questions through text and voice. A Digital Mutawwif helps pilgrims count the circuits of Tawaf and Sa'i, steers them toward less crowded areas and guides them with prescribed supplications. A central Monitoring and Control Center converts live data into dashboards that support rapid response during busy periods.
Oversight of Umrah companies
The ministry has also sharpened its supervision of service providers. There are currently 346 licensed Umrah companies authorised to serve pilgrims, a figure Al Salem said reflects growing private-sector participation. Since the start of the 1448 AH season, inspection tours have exceeded 32,000, covering accommodation, companies and service locations to verify compliance.
Enforcement has followed. In June, the ministry suspended 21 Umrah companies after reviewing their performance in the previous season. Of these, 15 were suspended for low performance ratings and six for regulatory violations. Al Salem said any deficiency is addressed immediately, including through suspension, to safeguard pilgrims' rights.
Practical tips for pilgrims
Pilgrims planning Umrah should note the following. First, book accommodation and transport through Nusuk or an approved travel platform, as these bookings remain mandatory. Second, those who expect to perform Umrah more than once within a year should ask their agent about the multiple-entry visa. Third, check a company's standing before paying, since the ministry periodically suspends underperforming operators. Finally, use the Nusuk AI assistant and Digital Mutawwif for in-app guidance during the rites, and keep entry and permit dates in mind as the season moves toward its close.