Saudi Arabia Opens Year-Round Umrah Access for GCC Residents as Part of Economic Revamp
RIYADH – In a significant move to bolster its religious tourism sector and align with its broader economic diversification vision, Saudi Arabia has announced that residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE – can now perform Umrah year-round, with enhanced services.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah shared details of this initiative, emphasizing the availability of streamlined options for obtaining Umrah visas. Residents of the GCC countries can book their Umrah packages directly through the official Nusuk platform, which serves as the Kingdom’s digital gateway for pilgrimage services.
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Additionally, Umrah pilgrims can apply for visas through accredited visa centers or opt for a transit visa if they are flying with Saudia Airlines or Flynas during layovers. Saudi Arabia’s electronic visa platform also allows tourists to apply for a visa, which grants access to Umrah and other holy sites across the country.
To ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience, all visitors are required to obtain an Umrah permit via the Nusuk app before arriving at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. This initiative aims to provide greater flexibility for GCC residents, enhancing accessibility and making the Umrah experience more organized and efficient.
This move is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance its religious tourism offerings, contributing to its vision of revamping the economy and increasing international visitor numbers.
