Saudi Arabia Reopens Umrah Visas as Post-Hajj Travel Restarts

Saudi Arabia reopened Umrah visa applications, marking the start of the new 1448 AH season for international pilgrims.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s calendar says pilgrims can begin entering the Kingdom from May 31, while access to Makkah and Umrah permits through the Nusuk app started on June 1.

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims can perform during most of the year. It is different from Hajj, which takes place only once a year and has stricter time limits. Because Umrah is more flexible, it creates steady travel demand for Saudi Arabia beyond the short Hajj period.

The season starts after a major Hajj operation

Saudi Arabia is moving into the Umrah season soon after managing one of the world’s largest annual travel events. This year’s Hajj brought more than 1.7 million pilgrims to the Kingdom, including more than 1.5 million international pilgrims. Most foreign pilgrims arrived by air, which shows how important airlines are to Saudi Arabia’s religious travel system.

Umrah keeps religious travel demand moving

For the travel industry, Umrah is a year-round business segment, not just a religious event. Pilgrims need flights, hotels, transfers, meals, guides, and other services. This supports demand in Makkah and Madinah after the Hajj season ends.

The new visa window also gives travel agencies a clear chance to restart Umrah packages. These can include flight bookings, accommodation, local transport, and help with permits. For Saudi Arabia, the season supports its wider goal of making pilgrimage travel easier, more organized, and more digital.

Nusuk remains central to the process

Saudi Arabia is using the Nusuk platform as the main digital gateway for Umrah services. The platform connects pilgrims with services such as visa issuance, flights, accommodation, meals, transport, Rawdah booking, and visits to heritage sites.

The new Umrah season also comes as Saudi Arabia is improving air connectivity with key pilgrim source markets. Earlier this year, Air India and Saudia signed a codeshare agreement to expand travel options between India and Saudi Arabia, including onward connections through major Saudi hubs.

Photo by Eddie Zhang on Unsplash