Saudi Arabia: GCC residents can now perform Umrah with transit visa

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now perform Umrah through easily accessible visa options, including transit and tourist visas, in addition to the standard Umrah visa.

The move is part of the ministry’s efforts to facilitate pilgrimage access and streamline procedures for GCC residents.

The transit visa allows passengers to stay in the country for 96 hours.

As part of the process, the ministry emphasized that visiting Al Rawdah Al Sharif at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina requires prior booking through the Nusuk application.
Earlier in August 2024, Saudi Arabia expanded Umrah eligibility to include holders of all types of visas — whether for tourism or personal visits — from around the world.

Additionally, visitors to the Kingdom who hold valid visas from the United States, the United Kingdom, or Schengen countries are permitted to perform Umrah during their stay.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has positioned these initiatives as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to improve access to religious tourism while ensuring high-quality services for pilgrims.