Mekkah: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are now permitted to perform Umrah at any time, following new measures designed to simplify the process.
According to a statement published on the Ministry’s official X account and reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), procedures for GCC nationals have been made more accessible to facilitate their pilgrimage. However, the Ministry clarified that securing an appointment through the Nusuk app remains mandatory for visiting the Prophet’s Mosque and Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah in Madinah.
The announcement comes shortly after the successful conclusion of the 2025 Hajj season. Saudi authorities began issuing Umrah visas again on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH). Umrah visas can be obtained up until the end of Ramadan, after which new visas will not be issued. From the first day of Shawwal, only those already holding valid visas will be allowed to enter the Kingdom to perform Umrah, and they may do so until 15 Shawwal 1447 AH.
