Can You Perform Umrah on a Tourist Visa? A Full 2025 Guide

The pilgrimage of Umrah holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has made remarkable strides in simplifying the visa process, making it more accessible for international pilgrims. A key development that has transformed Umrah travel is the ability to perform the pilgrimage on a tourist visa. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to perform Umrah on a tourist visa in 2025, detailing the requirements, process, and important considerations.

The Big Question: Umrah on a Tourist Visa?

The short and simple answer is: Yes. Since 2022, the Saudi Arabian government has officially allowed Muslims to perform Umrah using a multi-entry tourist visa. This policy change is part of a broader initiative to attract a greater number of visitors and streamline the entry process for a variety of purposes, including tourism, visiting family, and performing Umrah.

However, there are crucial conditions and a few exceptions to be aware of:

Exclusion of Hajj Season: You can only perform Umrah on a tourist visa outside of the designated Hajj season. The Hajj pilgrimage has its own specific visa and is not permitted on a tourist visa.

Mandatory Registration on Nusuk: All pilgrims, regardless of their visa type, must register and book their Umrah and Rawdah (in the Prophet's Mosque) visits through the official Nusuk platform. This is a mandatory step to manage crowd flow and ensure a smooth experience for all.

Booking Requirements: As of mid-2025, a new rule has been implemented making it mandatory to book your accommodation and ground transportation through the official Nusuk platform before you can apply for a visa. Your visa application will not be processed without a confirmed, pre-paid booking from an approved hotel and transport provider.

Types of Visas for Umrah in 2025

While the tourist visa is a popular option, it's important to understand the other visa types available for pilgrims.

Visa Type	Eligibility & Features	Primary Use
Tourist e-Visa	- Available to citizens of over 60 eligible countries. <br> - Multi-entry, valid for one year, allowing a stay of up to 90 days per visit. <br> - Includes health insurance. <br> - Can be obtained online in a few minutes.	Tourism, visiting family/friends, and performing Umrah (outside Hajj season).
Tourist Visa on Arrival	- Available to citizens of eligible countries who hold a valid, used US, UK, or Schengen visa or a permanent residence permit from these regions.	Tourism, visiting family/friends, and performing Umrah (outside Hajj season).
Umrah Visa	- Specifically for pilgrimage. <br> - Typically single-entry, valid for up to 90 days. <br> - Must be obtained through an authorized travel agent in your home country.	Exclusively for performing Umrah.
Transit Visa	- For travelers transiting through Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours. <br> - Allows Umrah if your transit is sufficient and you register on Nusuk.	Short layovers and connecting flights.

The Application Process for the Tourist e-Visa

The Saudi tourist e-Visa is the most convenient option for many pilgrims. The process is straightforward and can be completed online.

Check Your Eligibility: First, confirm if your country is on the list of eligible nationalities for the tourist e-Visa.

Plan Your Trip: Before applying, you must have your accommodation and transportation booked through the official Nusuk platform. This new rule is non-negotiable for 2025.

Gather Required Documents:

A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity from your date of entry.

Passport-sized photographs.

Complete the Online Application: Visit the official Saudi e-Visa portal and fill out the application form with your personal and travel details. You will need to provide information about your flight and accommodation.

Pay the Visa Fee: The visa fee, which includes mandatory health insurance, can be paid securely online.

Receive Your Visa: The approved e-Visa is typically processed and sent to your email within a few minutes or up to 24 hours.

Rules and Regulations for Umrah in 2025

The Saudi government has implemented several new regulations to enhance the pilgrimage experience for all visitors.

Mandatory Hotel and Transport Booking: As mentioned, all Umrah visa applications for 2025 require a confirmed hotel and transport booking. This policy aims to ensure pilgrim safety and streamline logistics.

Nusuk Platform for Appointments: The Nusuk app is now an essential tool for every pilgrim. You must use it to book your time slots for performing Umrah rituals and visiting the Rawdah in Madinah. Access to these holy sites is strictly regulated by appointment.

Health Requirements: Pilgrims must adhere to specific health requirements. A certificate of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis (quadrivalent ACYW135) is mandatory for all pilgrims. Other vaccines may be required depending on your country of origin.

Travel Without a Mahram: Women aged 18 and above are permitted to travel for Umrah on a tourist visa without a male guardian (mahram). This is a significant change from previous regulations and has opened up the pilgrimage to many more individuals.

Group vs. Individual Travel: While a tourist visa allows for individual travel, a new 2025 policy states that group members must stay in the same hotel and travel in the same vehicle. This is part of the move towards a more organized and accountable system.

The Advantages of a Tourist Visa for Umrah

Choosing a tourist visa for your Umrah journey offers several compelling benefits:

Flexibility: The one-year, multi-entry tourist visa provides the flexibility to visit Saudi Arabia multiple times. This is ideal for those who plan to perform Umrah more than once or wish to combine their pilgrimage with other tourist activities.

Cost-Effectiveness: For many, the tourist visa can be more cost-effective than an Umrah-specific visa, which often comes as part of a fixed-price package through an authorized agent.

Ease of Application: The online e-Visa process is quick and simple, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate.

Freedom to Explore: The tourist visa allows you to explore other parts of Saudi Arabia beyond the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. You can visit historical sites, cultural events, or even the beaches of the Red Sea.

Important Tips for Your 2025 Umrah Journey

Book Early: Especially if you plan to travel during peak seasons like Ramadan or school holidays, book your flights and accommodation well in advance. Hotels near the Haram fill up quickly.

Download the Nusuk App: Make sure you download and familiarize yourself with the Nusuk app before you travel. You will use it for booking Umrah and Rawdah appointments, which are a prerequisite for entering the holy sites.

Stay Informed: Visa regulations and travel policies can change. Always check the official websites of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the latest updates.

Respect Local Customs: Remember to dress modestly and respect local traditions and laws. Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country, and a high standard of conduct is expected from all visitors.

In conclusion, performing Umrah on a tourist visa in 2025 is not only possible but also a convenient and flexible option. By understanding the new regulations, especially the mandatory booking of accommodation and tranportation trough the Nusuk platform, pilgrims can ensure a smooth, spiritually enriching, and hassle-free journey to the heart of Islam.

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