The Saudi ministry of Hajj and Omra announced that visitors holding any type of visa are authorized to perform the Omra during their stay in the Kingdom, reported the Saudi news agency.
This decision is part of the ministry’s broader effort to simplify pilgrimage procedures and extend access to services for visitors, aligning the 2030 Saudi Vision objectives.
The ministry said that the authorized visa categories include personal and family visa visas, electronic tourism visas, public transport visas (Stopover), work visas and other types of visas.
He added that the initiative reflects the commitment of the kingdom to facilitate that Muslims around the world make their religious rituals “with comfort and peace of mind”.
To further facilitate the process, the ministry recently launched the “Nusuk Umrah” platform, allowing pilgrims to choose packages, booking services and deliver in UMRAH electronically. The entirely digital system allows visitors to select appropriate times and options with flexibility.
The ministry said that these initiatives demonstrate “the passion of the guardian of the two holy mosques and his royal Highness, the crown prince – may Allah protected them – to allow Muslims to visit the two holy mosques and to carry out their rituals in a spiritual and safe environment.”
He added that the government continues to improve services to ensure that pilgrims’ trips are transparent, enriching and spiritually fulfilling.
Previously, only pilgrims with an OMRA visa (published specifically for the pilgrimage) were authorized to perform the OMRA. Tourist visa holders could only perform the OMRA if they applied via approved packages or after obtaining special authorization via “Nusuk” or “Eatmarna” applications.
The holders of work visas and residents could perform the OMRA, but had to register and obtain separate permits for specific time slots. Visit visas holders (personal or family visits) were not automatically eligible – they had to request an additional OMRA license and have often been faced with delays or refusals.
The holders of public transport visas (those who cross Saudi airports) were authorized to carry out OMRA unless their stopover which has respected certain conditions and that approval is granted.
Find out more: Saudi Arabia reveals new rules for adaptation
Last week, Saudi Arabia unveiled a new temporary license system for the accommodation of pilgrims in Mecca and Madinah during the Hajj 2026 season, aimed at facilitating housing shortages and improving the quality of service for millions of faithful.
The Hajj and OMRA ministry has announced that the initiative will allow owners to obtain seasonal licenses for the reception of pilgrims.
Developed in partnership with the ministries of tourism and municipalities and housing, the program is designed to increase capacity during the pilgrimage without compromising security or standards.
Applicants will have to register via the Nusuk Masar platform, with approvals processed via the online portal of the Ministry of Tourism. The contract period will end on 13 Sha’ban 1447 Ah (February 1, 2026). Hotels that already have tourist licenses all year round will not be affected by the new rule.
The managers say that the link of the installations approved to the Nusuk reservation system will rationalize reservations, will prevent overcrowding and create a safer and more organized experience for pilgrims.
