Mekkah: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has announced that citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are now allowed to perform Umrah at any time. This change is part of new measures aimed at simplifying the pilgrimage process.
According to a statement released on the Ministry’s official X account and reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the procedures for GCC nationals have been made more accessible. However, the Ministry emphasised that securing an appointment through the Nusuk app remains mandatory for visiting the Prophet’s Mosque and Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah in Madinah.
This announcement comes shortly after the successful conclusion of the 2025 Hajj season. Saudi authorities began issuing Umrah visas on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH). Umrah visas will be available until the end of Ramadan, after which no new visas will be issued. From the first day of Shawwal, only those holding valid visas will be permitted to enter the Kingdom to perform Umrah until 15 Shawwal 1447 AH.
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