Saudi citizens and citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE can perform Umrah without obtaining an Umrah visa. They still need an official Umrah permit through Nusuk and must follow the separate Makkah controls announced for each Hajj season.
Who can perform Umrah without an Umrah visa?
Saudi citizens do not need an entry visa for travel within the Kingdom. Citizens of the other GCC states also do not need a Saudi Umrah visa to enter for Umrah.
This exemption is based on citizenship, not residence. An expatriate who lives in a GCC country but does not hold GCC nationality should check whether they qualify for a Saudi tourist eVisa or need another valid Saudi visa.
Do Saudi and GCC citizens still need an Umrah permit?
Yes. Visa-free entry and permission to perform Umrah are different things.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says all Muslim visitors, regardless of visa type, require authorisation to perform Umrah. The official permit must be obtained through the Nusuk app before going to Masjid al-Haram.
Saudi and GCC citizens are included among the users supported by the Ministry’s electronic services. Make sure the identity details used in Nusuk match the document used for travel or domestic identification.
What GCC citizens should carry
Carry a valid passport or GCC national identity card accepted for your route, and check the latest carrier and border requirements before departure. Airlines may request travel-document details even when no visa is required.
If travelling with family members or household staff who are not GCC citizens, check each person’s visa status separately. The citizen’s exemption does not automatically extend to companions of another nationality.
Planning the trip: Saudi and GCC citizens do not need the visa application included in some Wego Umrah packages. They can still use the platform to compare flights and hotel stays, with transport available on selected tiers.
Current Umrah season dates
The 1448 AH Umrah season is open. Umrah permit issuance for the season began through Nusuk on 1 June 2026.
The official calendar sets 9 March 2027 as the last date for issuing Umrah visas, 23 March 2027 as the last entry date for pilgrims using that route, and 7 April 2027 as their final departure date. Those visa deadlines do not create a visa requirement for Saudi or GCC citizens.
Makkah access during the Hajj season
Umrah permission does not authorise Hajj. Saudi Arabia applies a separate annual enforcement period for entry to and remaining in Makkah and the Holy Sites.
For the 1447 AH Hajj season, the Ministry of Interior applied permit enforcement from 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah through the end of 14 Dhu al-Hijjah. Rules and dates are announced for each season, so check official notices before travel near Hajj.
Attempting Hajj without a permit can bring a fine of up to SAR 20,000. A visit visa, Umrah permit or visa-free GCC entry does not replace the official Hajj permit.
Checklist for Saudi and GCC pilgrims
- Confirm each traveller’s status: GCC citizenship and GCC residence are not the same for visa purposes.
- Book the Umrah permit: Use Nusuk before going to Masjid al-Haram.
- Check travel documents: Confirm passport or national ID acceptance with the carrier and border authority.
- Watch Hajj-season notices: Makkah access controls are separate from ordinary Umrah rules.
- Use the correct permit: An Umrah permit does not authorise Hajj.
Sources
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Umrah Permit Application
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Electronic Services Guide
- GCC Secretariat: Intra-GCC Movement and the Common Identity Card
- Saudi Press Agency: Umrah Season Calendar for 1448 AH
- Saudi Press Agency: Hajj Permit Enforcement
- Nusuk: Official Umrah and Hajj Platform
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
