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The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah states that Umrah may be performed by visitors holding any type of visa to the Kingdom. The visas it lists are:
The announcement was first made through the Saudi Press Agency and is published on the ministry's own site, where the page was updated again in August 2026. Reports that Umrah requires a separate visa are out of date.
Source: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, "Allowing the performance of Umrah for those coming to the Kingdom with all types of visas", haj.gov.sa, updated 16 August 2026
As a UAE resident you qualify for the tourist eVisa on the GCC resident route regardless of nationality or profession: one year of validity, multiple entries, up to 90 days each visit, SAR 300 plus insurance and VAT. That visa now covers Umrah as well as tourism. Documents and the six application steps are in the how to apply section of the UAE residents guide.
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hold a valid visa | eVisa, visit, transit or work visa, in date on the day you enter Makkah |
| Book an Umrah permit | Through the Nusuk app before you travel to Makkah. Permits are timed; arrive within your slot |
| Rawdah visit (Madinah) | Separate permit, also on Nusuk |
| Passport | Valid six months; carry the visa PDF |
| Health requirements | Check the current vaccination list on Nusuk before departure; requirements are updated each season |
Source: nusuk.sa
Every year Saudi Arabia suspends Umrah permits and restricts entry to Makkah for several weeks around Hajj. In 2026 permits were suspended from 18 April to 31 May and Makkah entry was limited to permit holders from 13 April. Your eVisa remains valid for the rest of the Kingdom during that period, but Umrah is not possible. For the 1448 season, Umrah visas are issued from 31 May 2026 to 9 March 2027, with final entry on 23 March 2027; tourist eVisa holders should treat the same window as their Umrah window. Current status is kept on the is the Saudi visit visa open now line of the main guide.
Source: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah 1448 calendar; Ministry of Interior Hajj 2026 notice
| Your situation | Best route |
|---|---|
| UAE resident, any nationality | Tourist eVisa on the GCC resident route, then a Nusuk permit |
| In the UAE on a visit visa, eVisa-eligible passport | Tourist eVisa on your nationality; see the eligible countries |
| In the UAE on a visit visa, non-eligible passport | Umrah visa through a licensed Nusuk operator, or the new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa; see options for visitors in the UAE |
| Transiting on Saudia or flynas | Free 96-hour stopover visa, then a Nusuk permit |
The tourist eVisa is usually cheaper than an Umrah package visa and gives you a full year. The 90-day stay limit and overstay rules apply exactly as for tourism; see overstay penalties.
Ready to apply? Eligibility, cost in AED, documents and the road crossing from the Emirates are in the complete Saudi visit visa guide for UAE residents.
Yes. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirms Umrah is allowed on any valid visa, including the tourist eVisa, outside the Hajj season.
No. The tourist eVisa on the GCC resident route is enough. A Nusuk permit is still required for each Umrah.
Yes. The permit is separate from the visa and is booked in the Nusuk app before entering Makkah.
Yes, within the 96 hours, with a Nusuk permit.
During the Hajj closure, which in 2026 ran from 18 April to 31 May for permits, with Makkah restricted from 13 April.
As many times as you enter during the visa's one-year validity, each stay up to 90 days; see the multiple entry rules.