Umrah now open all year for UAE pilgrims to Saudi Arabia
GCC citizens, residents can use tourist, transit, and Umrah visa options
DUBAI: In a landmark announcement, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that citizens and residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, can now perform Umrah throughout the year.
Entry into the Kingdom is permitted through land, air, or sea ports, eliminating seasonal limitations for Gulf pilgrims.
To undertake Umrah, all travellers must secure a permit through the official Nusuk application, which also governs access to the Rawdah Al Sharifah in Medina – one of the most sacred sites in Islam. The move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of enhancing the pilgrimage experience and simplifying access to the holy sites.
أداء العمرة للمواطنين الخليجيين متاح في أي وقت، ويُسمح بالقدوم عبر أي منفذ، مع إصدار التصريح عبر تطبيق #نسك.#يسر_وطمأنينة pic.twitter.com/01fTWAuC43
— وزارة الحج والعمرة (@HajMinistry) June 27, 2025
Visa access expanded
The latest regulations also extend eligibility to residents of GCC countries, not just citizens. Multiple visa options are now available:
- Umrah visas from nusuk.sa
- Transit visas in collaboration with Saudi Airlines and Flynas (saudia.com, flynas.com)
- Tourist visas via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal (ksavisa.sa)
This expansion means that even non-citizen residents of GCC countries can now plan Umrah with greater flexibility and convenience.
Saudi Arabia resumed issuing Umrah visas for international pilgrims on June 10. The issuance of Nusuk permits began on June 11, allowing immediate planning and travel for eligible pilgrims.
Umrah entry timeline
To better manage crowds and support efficient operations, Saudi Arabia has announced specific deadlines for international Umrah pilgrims.
- 1 Shawwal: Last date to issue Umrah visas
- 15 Shawwal: Final date for Umrah entry
- 1 Dhul Qi’dah: Deadline for pilgrims to exit the Kingdom
These dates are part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to streamline the pilgrimage season while maintaining safety and logistics.
In addition, the ministry stated that contracts with international Umrah agents will be finalised by the first of Shaaban the following year. This is intended to prevent last-minute complications and enhance coordination across agencies.
Hajj plans for UAE
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has announced that registration for Hajj 2026 will open in September 2025, giving pilgrims ample time to prepare. According to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf), UAE citizens who have not previously performed Hajj will be prioritised.
All applications must be submitted via Awqaf’s digital platforms. Only Emiratis and residents with valid Emirates IDs will be eligible to apply. Required documents include Emirates ID, passport copy, medical clearance, and vaccination records.
Saudi Arabia has also released a 25-year Hajj calendar, confirming that the pilgrimage will not fall during summer months until 2050. From 2026 onward, Hajj will shift through spring, winter, and autumn seasons.
This long-term seasonal shift is expected to benefit elderly and vulnerable pilgrims by reducing heat-related risks and improving logistics.