Saudi government has implemented new Umrah visa rules after Hajj to improve pilgrim flow, digitalize services, and maintain safety. These updates are crucial for post-Hajj pilgrims planning Umrah this year.

Overview of 2025 Changes to Umrah Visa Rules:

Following Hajj 2025, the Saudi government announced significant updates to Umrah visa regulations aimed to enhance crowd management and service efficiency. Additionally, the e-Visa system has been streamlined via the Nusuk platform, requiring fewer documents and offering faster processing. Restrictions are imposed to minimize Umrah Visit in a year. These changes reflect the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goals of improving pilgrim experience while ensuring health, safety, and security for all Umrah visitors.

New Restrictions on Umrah Visa Applications

1. As part of the 2025 Umrah visa reforms, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a mandatory waiting period of 30 days after Hajj. This measure aims to regulate pilgrim flow and ensure smoother crowd management in Makkah and Madinah.
2. In addition, Saudi authorities have enforced new restrictions limiting individuals to a single Umrah visa per Hijri year.

This prevents repeated entries and supports equitable access for all Muslims seeking to perform Umrah after Hajj 2025.

Who Can Apply for an Umrah Visa?

Only eligible local residents and international pilgrims who are Muslims  can apply for an Umrah visa after Hajj. Saudi Arabia enforces updated nationality-based quotas and guidelines. Applicants must meet specific residency or citizenship requirements.

Health Requirements for Post-Hajj Umrah Visa:

To obtain a post-Hajj Umrah visa in 2025, pilgrims must meet strict health requirements. COVID-19 vaccination, Polio vaccination, and Yellow Fever vaccination shots are mandatory. These health protocols aim to safeguard local public from spread of infections and diseases of their countries and ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience.

Changes in Duration and Validity of Umrah Visa

The 2025 post-Hajj Umrah visa comes with updated validity rules, limiting the maximum stay duration and shortening the expiry window. Pilgrims must plan travel dates precisely to avoid penalties.

Travel and Accommodation Rules

Saudi Arabia’s 2025 Umrah travel guidelines mandate that pilgrims should book registered hotels, travelling buses/cars and packages through the Nusuk platform or licensed agents. This ensures compliance with visa rules, secure accommodations near holy sites, and seamless integration of transport, lodging, and rituals—making the post-Hajj Umrah experience smoother, safer, and more organized.

Visa Fees and Cost Changes in 2025

In 2025, pilgrims should budget accordingly and use the Nusuk platform to avoid hidden costs. These cost changes reflect the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enhance the pilgrim experience through improved infrastructure and digital services. To the best of my knowledge a single person’s Umrah visa cost SAR.500 and if he travel with a group it shall cost SAR.900.

Umrah for Residents and GCC Nationals After Hajj:

Under a revamped visa system, Umrah may be made possible for Saudi Arabian residents plus other GCC nationals who want to travel to the country to perform Umrah. All locally residing residents need to provide a valid Iqama as well as local Umrah permit while GCC nationals need no fee in terms of entry. Importantly, previous recording through the Nusuk platform is required for the arrangements of a smooth and approved pilgrimage.

Conclusion:

Saudi Arabia’s 2025 Umrah visa rules after Hajj introduce stricter timelines, digital processes, and health requirements. Pilgrims must stay updated with official guidelines to avoid disruptions. Early planning, verified agents, and timely visa applications are essential. Staying informed ensures a smooth and spiritually fulfilling Umrah experience post-Hajj under the new regulations.

FAQ’s

1. What are the new rules for Umrah visa after Hajj 2025?
Starting after Hajj 2025, Saudi authorities have introduced stricter regulations for Umrah visa issuance. Pilgrims must now wait 30 days after Hajj ends before applying for an Umrah visa. This is to control crowd density and ensure safety for pilgrims returning post-Hajj.

2. Can I perform Umrah immediately after completing Hajj?
No, according to the new Umrah visa rules, individuals who have performed Hajj must wait at least 30 days before applying for another Umrah visa. This rule is strictly enforced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

3. Is there a limit on how often I can apply for an Umrah visa after Hajj?
Yes. The new regulations limit the frequency of Umrah visits. Under the updated policy, pilgrims can only apply for one Umrah visa every 90 days, especially in the months following Hajj.

4. Are tourists allowed to perform Umrah with a tourist visa after Hajj?
Yes, but with conditions. While tourist visa holders are still allowed to perform Umrah, they must comply with the post-Hajj waiting period. This means no Umrah can be performed until 30 days after the conclusion of the Hajj season.

5. Do the new Umrah visa rules apply to all nationalities?
Yes. The new Umrah visa restrictions apply universally to all pilgrims, regardless of nationality. The goal is to streamline pilgrim flow, reduce overcrowding, and ensure better safety and logistical management during the post-Hajj season.