By Bamidele Aremu
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that both citizens and residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, are now permitted to perform Umrah at any time of the year, marking a significant expansion in access to the holy pilgrimage.
The ministry confirmed that eligible pilgrims can enter the Kingdom through any land, air, or sea port, with permits to be secured via the official Nusuk app which serves as part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to streamline pilgrimage procedures and enhance the pilgrim experience.
In a notable policy update, the ministry also extended eligibility to residents of GCC states not just citizens who can now perform Umrah using a variety of visa options which includes Umrah visas available via nusuk.sa, transit visas issued in partnership with Saudi Airlines and Flynas (saudia.com and flynas.com), and tourist visas that can be obtained through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official portal (ksavisa.sa).
The development follows the ministry’s resumption of Umrah visa issuance for international pilgrims on June 10, with digital permits through Nusuk becoming available from June 11.
Additionally, the ministry outlined key dates for the Umrah calendar: First of Shawwal – Final day to issue Umrah visas, 15th of Shawwal – Last date for pilgrim entry into Saudi Arabia and First of Dhul Qi’dah – Deadline for pilgrims to exit the Kingdom.
The ministry also announced it would cease accepting applications for the qualification of new external Umrah agents. Contracts with licensed Umrah companies must now be completed and documented by the first day of Shaaban in each Islamic year.
