What Are the Latest Umrah 2025 Updates?
Are you considering performing the Umrah in 2025? Additionally, you may be interested in learning about the latest Umrah visa rules. If so, you've come to the correct place. In this blog, I will let you know about the latest Umrah rules 2025.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has executed the latest Umrah visa rules for 2025. The key updates include changes in the visa application process, hotel booking requirements, and transportation arrangements.
Stay tuned with the Umrah rules 2025 before applying for the Umrah visa for you and for your loved ones. Let’s learn about the updated Umrah visa.
Breakthrough 2025 Umrah Rules: Mandatory Hotel & Transport Bookings Explained
After successful completion of Hajj 2025, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has implemented certain new rules. Pilgrims should book their accommodation and make their transport reservations through the Nusuk Masar app during the Hajj season or Umrah.
Hotel bookings: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism has verified and licensed some hotels in Saudi Arabia. Only those hotels are eligible for accommodation bookings.
Transport Reservation: To ensure a seamless arrival experience, all pilgrims must confirm and upload their transportation details on the Nusuk portal. This includes round-trip tickets, transportation between the two holy towns of Makkah and Madina, ziyarath excursions, and additional arrangements like buses, shared vans, or private vehicles.
‘BookMyUmrahTrip' is the only legal online platform in India that makes it easier to meet the requirements for your Umrah trip.
It will handle all your Umrah booking needs. The services offered include visas, flights, accommodation, ziyarat tours, and more.
For the booking process
Documents required: A scanned copy of a passport with a minimum of 6 months validity and a PAN card in some cases.
You can find here economy, budget-friendly, standard, and premium packages to meet your requirements. The inclusions in these packages are mainly:
Travel Arrangements
The packages include hotel stays in Makkah and Madinah.
All meals provided during the stay will consist of Indian cuisine, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all travelers.
Additionally, guided tours to significant religious sites will be arranged, allowing pilgrims to deepen understanding and appreciation of the holy cities.
Transportation
Airport pick-up and drop-off
The service includes round-trip transportation between Makkah and Madinah.
Accommodation
Hotel stays in Makkah and Madina.
All meals (Indian cuisine): breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Services
Laundry services during the stay
Local Ziyarat tours in Makkah and Madinah
Assistance with the Rawdah Permit
Saudi SIM card (with initial credit talk time recharge by pilgrim)
Local ground staff for on-site assistance
24/7 customer support
Complimentary Goodies
5 liters of Zam-Zam water
A welcome kit with Umrah essentials
Tourist Visas Now Valid for Umrah: Who Qualifies & What’s Changed?
As per the updated Umrah visa rules, individuals visiting Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa can now perform Umrah during their stay. To perform Umrah, they must have a valid passport, a suitable visa, and confirmation of accommodation and transportation through the Nusuk Masar app.
April 2025 Deadline Alert: Entry & Exit Dates You Must Know
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has resumed visa services, welcoming pilgrims from India and around the world. Hajj happens once a year, but Umrah can be performed at any time and offers flexibility for spiritual travelers.
Important Dates
Umrah visa applications closed on March 31, 2025.
Pilgrims had to enter Saudi Arabia by April 13, 2025.
By April 29, 2025, all pilgrims had to leave the country.
Umrah Visa Issuance Resumes June 10, 2025: Post-Hajj Update
Obtaining Umrah, tourist, family, or e-visas for Saudi Arabia has become simple. Now you can explore the country's rich cultural and spiritual heritage without any hassle and make the most of your pilgrimage or visit. So, you can apply for an Umrah visa using the following method:
Traditional agencies or online platforms
Nusuk app
Here are the key dates for Umrah 2025-2026:
Important Dates
June 10, 2025: Umrah visa issuance begins.
June 11, 2025: The first international pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia.
May 27, 2025: Deadline for Umrah companies and foreign agents to finalize service agreements.
March 20, 2026: Deadline for issuing Umrah visas.
April 3, 2026: Closing date for pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia before Hajj 2026.
April 18, 2026: Final day for pilgrims to depart Saudi Arabia.
How the Nusuk App Is Revolutionizing Umrah Visa Applications.
Saudi’s Nusuk app is the official platform for booking, planning, and experiencing your trip to Makkah, Madina, and beyond. With Nusuk, you can:
Apply for an eVisa.
Book hotels and flights.
Book prayer slots at the Prophet’s Mosque (Madinah).
Schedule Rawdah visits (green dome area).
Organize your entire visit seamlessly.
Planning ahead and meeting all requirements is crucial to prevent any issues during the Umrah pilgrimage.
Stricter Oversight: Ministry Inspections & Penalties for Non-Compliance
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is strictly enforcing Umrah rules 2025 to ensure a smooth and compliant Umrah experience. This includes conducting random hotel checks to verify that pilgrims are staying at authorized accommodations.
Additionally, fines of up to SAR 10,000 will be imposed on individuals who overstay their visa dates, use non-approved transportation services, or offer unauthorized commercial Umrah packages. These measures aim to maintain order and adherence to regulations during the pilgrimage.
Comparing Umrah and Tourist Visas for 2025: Which Is Right for You
With a tourist visa, you can explore Saudi Arabia's cultural and historical sites, while an Umrah visa allows you to perform the Umrah rituals. As a pilgrim or traveler, you'll need to choose the visa type that aligns with your purpose of visit.
The better option depends on your priorities:
Umrah Visa
The visas are valid for 60 days. This visa is best suited for dedicated pilgrims who focus solely on performing Umrah.
Benefits include guaranteed access to Umrah at a lower cost.
Tourist Visa
The visa is valid for 90 days, and it can be extended.
Best for: Travelers who want to explore Saudi Arabia's culture, history, and attractions alongside performing Umrah
Benefits: It has longer validity, flexibility to extend your stay, and an opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia.
Consider your travel goals and choose accordingly.
Takeaway
In conclusion, the Umrah rules 2025 updates bring significant changes to ensure a smooth and safe experience for pilgrims. Key takeaways include:
Mandatory hotel and transport bookings through the Nusuk Masar app or authorized travel agencies like BookMyUmrahTrip.com.
Stricter oversight with random hotel checks and penalties for non-compliance.
New Umrah rules 2025 for visas, including validity and extension policies.
Tourist visas are now valid for Umrah with specific requirements.
Important dates to remember for visa applications, entry, and exit.
To ensure a hassle-free Umrah journey, plan ahead and stay informed about the updated Umrah rules 2025. Choose the right visa option based on your priorities, and utilize the Nusuk app for seamless compliance. May your Umrah pilgrimage be blessed and stress-free!
FAQs
What are the requirements for hotel bookings during Umrah 2025?
Hotel bookings must be made through the Nusuk Masar app or authorized platforms like BookMyUmrahTrip, and only hotels verified and licensed by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism are eligible.
Can I perform Umrah with a tourist visa?
Yes, as an individual visiting Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa, you can perform Umrah during your stay, provided that you have a valid passport, suitable visa, and confirmation of accommodation and transportation through the Nusuk Masar app.
What are the penalties for non-compliance during Umrah 2025?
Fines up to SAR 10,000 may be imposed for overstaying visa dates, using non-approved transportation services, or offering unauthorized commercial Umrah packages.
How do I book transportation for the Umrah visa 2025?
You must confirm and upload transportation details, including round-trip travel tickets and intercity transportation, on the Nusuk portal through the Nusuk Masar app, authorized travel agencies, or the authorized online platform BookMyUmrahTrip.com.
When do Umrah visas reopen after Hajj 2025?
Umrah visas resumed from June 10, 2025, after the 2025 Hajj concludes. You can make your applications through traditional agencies, BookMyUmrahTrip, or the Nusuk app.
