Pilgrims applying for Umrah in the 1448 AH season face a tighter set of visa rules than in previous years. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has shortened the entry window for the Umrah visa, made hotel and transport bookings a condition of issuance, and widened the range of visa holders who may perform Umrah.
The changes continue a shift towards a fully digital, pre-booked pilgrimage process managed through the Nusuk platform.
Shorter entry window
The most significant change concerns how long a pilgrim has to enter the Kingdom after the visa is issued. The entry window has been cut to 30 days from the previous 90 days. If a pilgrim does not enter Saudi Arabia within that period, the visa lapses and a new application must be made through Nusuk.
The shorter window pushes pilgrims to finalise travel plans before they apply, rather than securing a visa far in advance. Once inside the Kingdom, pilgrims are still subject to the season's overall entry and exit deadlines, which require all Umrah pilgrims to leave before the published end-of-season date.
Bookings required before issuance
Under the current rules, an Umrah visa will not be issued until the applicant has confirmed hotel and transport bookings logged in Nusuk. Every visa must be linked to a verified accommodation booking in Makkah, Madinah, or both, and pre-booked ground transport for airport transfers and inter-city travel is mandatory.
The requirement is intended to ensure that arriving pilgrims already have somewhere to stay and a way to move between the holy cities. It also gives the authorities advance data on pilgrim numbers and locations, which supports crowd management at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.
All pilgrims must now register on Nusuk, with no country-based exemptions. The platform handles the visa link, permits, mosque entry and Rawdah reservation slots.
Wider eligibility
Alongside the tighter conditions, the Kingdom has broadened who may perform Umrah. The Ministry has confirmed that holders of all visa types, including tourist visas, are now eligible to perform Umrah, provided they complete the required steps on Nusuk. This means many visitors no longer need a dedicated Umrah visa to carry out the pilgrimage.
Health requirements remain in place. Pilgrims are expected to hold valid Meningitis (ACYW) vaccination certificates, and other vaccinations may be required depending on the pilgrim's country of origin. Certificates should be ready at the time of application and travel.
Practical guidance for applicants
Pilgrims planning Umrah this season should take several steps to avoid problems. They should register on Nusuk before applying, and confirm hotel and transport bookings through an approved channel so the visa can be issued. They should apply only once travel dates are set, given the 30-day entry window, and keep vaccination certificates valid and accessible.
Those travelling on a tourist or other eligible visa should verify their status on Nusuk before assuming they can perform Umrah without further steps. Checking the latest season deadlines for entry and departure is also important, as overstaying can carry penalties.
The Ministry continues to publish updates through official channels, and pilgrims are advised to confirm requirements close to their travel date, as rules have changed frequently in recent seasons.