Authorities in Saudi Arabia have announced that persons holding any type of visa will be eligible to perform Umrah.
The decision to perform the minor pilgrimage at the Grand Mosque in Makkah has been confirmed by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, VisaGuide.World reports.
Umrah can now be performed effortlessly from any location, regardless of the entry visa type, ensuring convenience and peace of mind.
According to the announcement of the Ministry, all visa categories, such as personal, transit, family, labor and e-visas are eligible to participate in Umrah rituals.
In order to ensure an easy journey for Umrah pilgrims, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah urged internationals to use the Nusuk application in order to acquire their Umrah permits.
The same Ministry previously introduced the Nusuk application to allow those wishing to perform Umrah and visit to request the issuance of permits in order to enter the Two Holy Mosques to perform Umrah.
Preparing for Umrah: Steps Pilgrims Should Take
The deadline for Umrah pilgrims to depart for this year is June 6. Umrah is a sacred journey to Islam’s two most revered locations in Mecca and Medina that can be made anytime during the Islamic calendar. It differs from the Hajj which has a specific period of time for pilgrimage.
In order to head to Saudi Arabia, pilgrims should ensure that they have all the needed documents, including passports, visas as well as Umrah permits obtained through the Nusuk application.
Besides, they should familiarize themselves with the rituals and practices related to Umrah in order to ensure a meaningful and spiritually fulfilling experience.
In addition, it is important for pilgrims to show respect for the holy sites and also follow the scheduled rituals at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Pilgrims are required to dress modestly and be aware of local customs and traditions.
Earlier this month, Saudi Arabian authorities announced new changes to the Umrah visa rules. The new changes were announced ahead of the pilgrimage season.
According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Umrah visa will now remain valid for three months (90 days) from the date of issuance.
The previous rules permitted Umrah pilgrims to complete their pilgrimage for a period of three months, from the moment they entered Saudi Arabia, while now, the visa is valid for 90 days from the day it is issued.