Saudi Arabia Announces New Amendments to Umrah Visas Effective Today

On 17 January 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that new amendments to Umrah visas are now in effect. These changes have been made to enhance transparency about the visa and ensure the best services for pilgrims during the Umrah season.

These changes include:

• Air conditioning is to be provided on transportation between Makkah and Madinah.
• New land and sea ports will be opened to welcome pilgrims.
• The electronic visa platform will be improved to facilitate applications.
• New residential units are to be opened close to the Holy Mosques.
• The General Traffic Department will implement new regulations to reduce congestion.
• Health and security measures will be enhanced.

The Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that these new health and security measures will mean that all travelers intending to perform Umrah must be vaccinated for:

• Meningococcal meningitis
• SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19)
• Seasonal influenza
• Poliomyelitis (if traveling from a state with reported cases)
• Yellow fever (if traveling from a state with reported cases)

The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority will verify that travelers have the correct vaccination certificates.

The health authorities will be implementing preventative measures at points of entry to the Kingdom, this may include administering medications and vaccinations, as well as, inspecting means of transport.

The health authorities also recommend that travelers carry documentation for chronic diseases. Advice will be provided on the importance of washing hands, wearing masks, avoiding dehydration, and preventing food and water-borne diseases.

These visa changes will impact travelers journeying to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, visit the Holy Mosques, or visit other Umrah areas during 1446H (2025). They come into effect from the month of Muharram.

Pilgrims can apply for the Umrah visa electronically via the Nusuk platform, operated by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. While applications no longer require a face-to-face appointment, those seeking to extend their Umrah visas will need to visit approved Hajj and Umrah offices to pay the extension fee.