Saudi Arabia announces start of new Umrah season for GCC citizens, residents

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Tuesday the start of the new Umrah season for citizens and residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, as per the state news agency SPA.

Citizens and residents of GCC countries are now able to apply for a permit via the “Nusuk” or “Tawakkalna” applications after the successful end of this year’s Hajj season.

The Nusuk application can be used to obtain the necessary permits to perform Umrah and visit the Holy Rawdah in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, while Tawakkalna ensures that the applicant meets the necessary health requirements.

The ministry recently announced that pilgrims from outside of the GCC area will be able to perform Umrah from the start of the new Islamic year.

Start of Umrah season

The ministry announced that pilgrims can apply for electronic visas using the Nusuk platform. Those whose applications are successful will be able to travel to the kingdom using the e-visa starting July 19.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had previously announced that holders of tourist visas from GCC countries and holders of Schengen visas can apply for an electronic visit visa for Umrah using the Nusuk application.

The Nusuk platform facilitates arrival procedures for all Muslims worldwide to visit Makkah and Madinah, and provides housing choices, residence and transportation services.

Facilities provided by the Ministry of Hajj to the Umrah pilgrims are part of the government’s recently implemented programme that looks at reducing insurance fees for pilgrims by 63 per cent while maintaining the sustainability of health services, issuing the electronic visa in less than 24 hours, and extending the visa from 30 days to 90 days.

The facilitated procedures also allow women to travel for pilgrimage without being accompanied by a male guardian.

Read: Saudi Ministry of Hajj starts issuing e-visas for Umrah