Latest Umrah Visa Updates & Travel Rules

What’s changed and what you need to know

1. Resumption of Umrah visa issuance

After a temporary suspension of many visas (including Umrah visas) earlier in 2025, Saudi authorities announced that Umrah visa issuance would resume from 10 June 2025. (travelobiz) The first international pilgrims under the renewed period were expected to arrive from 11 June. (BookMyUmrahTrip)
Thus, if you’re planning Umrah now, ensure your visa is applied for under this restarted schedule.

2. Mandatory confirmed hotel booking via approved platform

A major new requirement: all Umrah visa applicants must now submit confirmed hotel/accommodation bookings **through the official Nusuk Masar platform (linked to the Ministry of Hajj & Umrah) before the visa can be processed. (Saudigazette)
Key points:

The hotel must be licensed and approved by the Ministry of Tourism (Saudi Arabia). (Saudigazette)

If staying with a relative or friend instead of a hotel, you’ll need the Saudi host’s national ID number, and that must be registered in the system. (Khaleej Times)

Without this accommodation documentation, visa issuance may be delayed or rejected, or fees/penalties may be applied. (Saudigazette)

3. Stricter itinerary and transport rules

Additional rules include:

The itinerary (including transport within Saudi Arabia) must be uploaded and adhered to; changes/postponements may incur fines for the operator or traveler. (Khaleej Times)

Tourist visas may not always be valid for Umrah entry in all cases; authorities recommend applying for the dedicated Umrah visa path rather than relying on a tourist visa. (Soul of Saudi)

4. Visa validity, entry, and duration

The Umrah visa (or eligible e-Visa) now allows a stay of up to 90 days in many cases, giving pilgrims more flexibility. (Saudi Visa Online)

However, for some nationalities, there were temporary suspensions; for example, a suspension of new Umrah visas until mid-June earlier in the year. (VisaIndex.com)

Always check the specific rules for your country (Pakistan in your case), as different nationalities may have different eligibility.

5. Health and other entry requirements

Standard vaccines: For Umrah pilgrims, proof of the meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccination is required. (VisaIndex.com)

Since Saudi is focusing on crowd management and safety, it’s advisable to travel with full documentation, insurance, and verified bookings.

6. Why these changes?

These rule changes reflect Saudi Arabia’s efforts to:

Enhance the pilgrim experience by digitalizing and streamlining services (Nusuk Masar, hotel bookings).

Improve safety, crowd control, and lodging quality for Umrah pilgrims. (Al Arabiya English)

Align with the broader Saudi Vision 2030 initiative of boosting religious tourism and improving infrastructure.

7. Specific advice for Pakistani pilgrims

Since you’re based in Lahore/Pakistan:

Use a licensed travel agency authorised by the Saudi authorities; ensure they are linked to the Nusuk platform.

Confirm your hotel booking is done via Nusuk Masar and meets the “approved hotel” criteria.

Ensure your passport is valid (minimum 6 months remains) and you’ve submitted all vaccination/health documentation.

Apply early (don’t wait till last minute) because bookings and approvals may take additional time given the stricter rules.

Avoid using ‘tourist visa only’ routes for Umrah unless you are absolutely sure your package meets all requirements — it may lead to denial of entry or access to certain areas.

Keep your itinerary intact: changing your return flight, housing, or internal transport without updating the system may cause issues.