عمرہ

Since Saudi Arabia's tourism reforms, there are now multiple pathways to obtain permission to perform عمرہ. The primary method is the عمرہ e-visa through the Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa), which is the Saudi government's official digital portal for حج services. This visa is specifically designed for عمرہ حجاج and can be processed entirely online. Alternatively, citizens of countries eligible for the Saudi tourist e-visa (including the US, UK, EU nations, Australia, and many others) can perform عمرہ on a tourist visa without needing a separate عمرہ visa. The tourist e-visa is available through the Visit Saudi platform (visa.visitsaudi.com) and costs approximately 440 SAR including insurance. Citizens of GCC countries do not need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia and can perform عمرہ freely. Saudi residents with valid iqama (residency permits) can perform عمرہ by simply obtaining an عمرہ permit through the Nusuk app.

The Nusuk platform is the Saudi Ministry of حج and عمرہ's official digital service for حج management. To apply for an عمرہ e-visa through Nusuk, visit nusuk.sa and create an account. Select your nationality and travel dates, then upload the required documents: a clear scan of your passport bio page, a passport-sized photograph with a white background, and proof of vaccination if required. The platform will also ask you to book your عمرہ appointment slot, specifying the date and approximate time you plan to perform طواف. Payment is made online via credit card. Processing typically takes 24 to 72 hours, after which the e-visa is sent to your email and can be printed or displayed digitally. The Nusuk عمرہ visa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and allows a stay of up to 30 days, though terms may vary. The platform also allows you to book hotels, transportation, and guided tours as part of your عمرہ planning.

Citizens of over 60 countries eligible for the Saudi tourist e-visa can now perform عمرہ without obtaining a separate عمرہ visa. The tourist e-visa, obtained through visitsaudi.com, is a multiple-entry visa valid for one year, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit. This option offers greater flexibility — you can combine عمرہ with tourism, visiting other Saudi cities like Riyadh, Al Ula, or the Red Sea coast. The tourist e-visa costs approximately 440 SAR and is processed within minutes to 24 hours. However, حجاج using the tourist visa should still register their عمرہ visit through the Nusuk or Eatmarna app to obtain an appointment slot for طواف during busy periods. Without a registered appointment, access to the mataf (طواف area) may be restricted during peak times. The tourist visa does not include the حج period — separate حج visas are always required for حج.

Documentation requirements for عمرہ visas are less extensive than حج visas but still important. Essential documents include a valid passport with at least six months validity, passport-sized photographs meeting Saudi specifications (white background, clear face, no head covering except for religious reasons), and proof of health insurance (sometimes included in the visa fee). Vaccination requirements for عمرہ are generally less stringent than for حج but may include meningococcal vaccination depending on current health directives. Check the latest requirements on the Nusuk platform or Saudi embassy website, as these can change. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is strongly مستحب even if not mandatory, as healthcare costs for uninsured visitors in Saudi Arabia can be very high. Pilgrims with chronic health conditions should carry a medical report from their doctor along with sufficient medication supply.