Saudi Arabia says GCC citizens, residents can now perform Umrah any time
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that citizens and residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now perform Umrah at any time of the year.
Entry for GCC citizens is permitted through all land and air ports as long as pilgrims apply for permits through the official Nusuk application.
As for GCC residents, they are eligible to perform Umrah using multiple types of visas, including Umrah visas available via Nusuk, transit visas issued in partnership with Saudia Airlines and Flynas, and tourist visas that can be obtained through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' official portal.
As part of the facilitation provided to the Guests of Allah, GCC residents may perform Umrah using a variety of available visa types. #Ease_And_Tranquility pic.twitter.com/h8zMGnXafP
— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) June 27, 2025
The decision is part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to streamline pilgrimage procedures and improve the overall experience for pilgrims.
To access the holy sites, all pilgrims, whether citizens or residents, are required to obtain a prior permit through the Nusuk app for Umrah and prayer in the Rawdah Al Sharifah, the sacred chamber in the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.
Umrah is a non-mandatory Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be done at any time of the year, except during the Hajj period.
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