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Updated March 2024
The Umrah is a minor and non-compulsory pilgrimage that any able-bodied Muslim with the financial means to do so may undertake in order to gain the blessings and favour of the Almighty Allah.
Pilgrims looking to fulfil this religious calling must first obtain an Umrah permit as one of the prerequisites for entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Here’s the guide for Umrah permit by Wego: the latest news, rules, requirements, issuance, and more.
Please be aware that certain information in this article pertains to the Umrah season 2023. Rest assured, the content will be promptly updated once new information becomes available.
Table of Contents
Umrah permit 2024 news
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced a new regulation prohibiting pilgrims from undertaking multiple Umrah journeys during the sacred month of Ramadan. This measure aims to alleviate overcrowding during this peak period for Umrah, ensuring that all pilgrims have the opportunity to perform the rituals comfortably.
According to the ministry’s statement, permits for more than one Umrah pilgrimage will not be granted during Ramadan. This restriction is intended to manage congestion and facilitate a smoother experience for all pilgrims during this significant time.
The Nusuk application system will enforce this regulation, rejecting permit requests for additional Umrah journeys during Ramadan with a notification stating “Issuance of the permit failed.” The ministry highlights the numerous benefits of performing Umrah during Ramadan.
Emphasizing the importance of obtaining permits through the Nusuk application, the ministry underscores the necessity for pilgrims to adhere to their designated time slots for performing the rituals. Although there is no option to change appointment times on the Nusuk app, pilgrims can delete their appointments ahead of time and reschedule based on availability, as explained by the ministry.
What is the Umrah permit?
To put it simply, the Umrah permit is an electronic document issued by the Nusuk app enabling holders to enter the Grand Mosque, pray at the Noble Rawdah, and essentially perform Umrah.
Issuance of the Umrah permit is subject to certain requirements and is contingent on the type of Umrah visa held by individual pilgrims.
Who needs to submit an Umrah permit application?
Essentially, everyone looking to perform the minor pilgrimage must apply for an Umrah permit.
Umrah permit for Saudi residents
Saudi residents and citizens are not exempt from the Umrah permit requirement. They, too, must obtain the Umrah permit to perform Umrah.
In order for the Umrah permit to be issued to residents and citizens, their data must already be updated on the Absher application.
Umrah permit for visitors/visit visa holders
Umrah seekers holding Umrah/tourism/work visas must have already registered their arrival and vaccination credentials on the Muqeem platform at least 72 hours prior to arrival in Saudi Arabia.
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Following their arrival in Saudi Arabia, visitors holding the aforementioned visas must register on the Nusuk app to secure their Umrah permit.
Umrah permit app: Nusuk App
The app that is linked to the issuance of the Umrah permit is the Nusuk App.
The following are the main features of the Nusuk app:
- allows for the electronic issue of Umrah visas
- promotes international pilgrims’ arrival, provides transportation and travel services and provides information about cultural events
- allowing travellers to visit the Prophet’s Mosque and reserving Umrah permits
- Umrah pilgrims can reserve their packages
- pilgrims with a digital guide with detailed instructions available in various languages
- reserve hotels and flights
Anyone interested in downloading the Nusuk app may do so at the Appstore and Playstore.
To learn more about the steps required to obtain your Umrah permit through the Nusuk app, please refer to our dedicated article below.
Umrah permit rules
Although Saudi Arabia has largely lifted the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for Umrah pilgrims, it is highly recommended that each pilgrim confirm with their Umrah operator/agency for the latest vaccination requirements pertaining to Umrah. This is to ensure a smooth and hassle-free Umrah journey, as well as to protect the health and safety of all individuals involved.
Please note that the Umrah permit will be immediately cancelled if:
- the individual is infected with COVID-19
- the individual had been in contact with an infected person
- the visa holder does not enter the KSA 6 hours before the Umrah booking date.
