Easing spiritual journey: GCC expats can now easily apply for Umrah visas – Know details

Jeddah: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has simplified the process for expats residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to apply for Umrah visas, allowing easier access to pilgrimage in Mecca and Medina. The new measures are designed to make the spiritual journey more accessible for Muslims living in the Gulf.

The Ministry has clarified via X platform that GCC expats can now choose from three types of visas. The first is the Umrah visa, which can be obtained through the Nusuk platform (www.nusuk.sa), offering a streamlined process for pilgrims.

The second option is the tourist visa, available through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website KSA Visa (https://ksavisa.sa).

Transit visa will allow Muslims arriving as tourists to perform Umrah as well. This facility is available to those arriving through transit bookings with Saudi Arabian Airlines or Flynas.

The Ministry has emphasised that multiple simplified routes are now available for Muslims residing in any GCC country wishing to perform Umrah and visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. 

New Initiatives

For prayer at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, the Ministry noted that advance permission is required, which can be obtained through the Nusuk app. 

The ministry further stated that these measures are intended to facilitate the pilgrimage for residents across the GCC, ensuring that they can easily access the holy cities of Mecca and Medina for their spiritual journeys.

The new initiatives are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to make religious tourism more accessible and efficient, enhancing the experience for Muslim expatriates in the Gulf region.