Saudi Arabia allows Umrah with any visa type
Saudi Arabia now permits foreign travelers, including tourists and visitors, to perform Umrah with any type of visa, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.
The Maqam platform enables pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom to arrange their Umrah. The site is operated in partnership with tourism companies and approved travel agencies. Here are key details to guide you.
Background
Through cooperation between the Maqam platform and selected tourism enterprises, international visitors can now complete their Umrah with the help of a qualified intermediary. Travelers can also select a service package from those available on one of the official platforms.
To find an agency offering a suitable package, simply visit maqam.gds.haj.gov.sa. It’s worth noting this follows the start of the 1444 Hijri Umrah season.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to simplify the Umrah arrival process. It ensures travelers can perform the rituals as part of an enhanced religious and cultural journey, with high-quality services guaranteed under the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programs.
Who qualifies
The Haj Ministry has opened Umrah eligibility to all travelers, regardless of the type of visa they hold. This includes tourists and visitors from all countries who arrive in Saudi Arabia on any visa type. This opportunity is extended to:
Travelers with visas from the United States
Schengen countries
The United Kingdom
Eligibility also applies to those who receive visas on arrival at Saudi airports and residents of eVisa-eligible countries. Additionally, pilgrims from the United States, the United Kingdom, or Schengen countries can perform Umrah, as can holders of family visit or personal visit visas.
Requirements and process to perform Umrah
Regardless of the visa type you hold, several conditions must be met to perform Umrah. First, the visa must be single-entry and bear the entry stamp of the issuing country. Travelers must also purchase comprehensive travel medical insurance that covers:
Covid-19 treatment
Accidental death or disability coverage
Trip cancellation and delay protections
General international travel medical benefits
To schedule your rites, use the ‘Eatamarna’ app if you hold a family or personal visit visa. Visit https://www.visitsaudi.com/ar for full guidance.
A specialist in regulatory monitoring and a content destination expert, she analyzes daily changes in entry formalities to turn complex administrative processes into practical guides. Her role blends ground-level expertise with technical precision to ensure the reliability of the information provided to travelers.
