Umrah 2025: New digital platform launched for visas

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The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has launched a new digital platform, Nusuk Umrah, allowing pilgrims outside Saudi Arabia to apply for Umrah visas and book related services directly online, bypassing intermediaries.

Available at umrah.nusuk.sa, the service offers a seamless digital experience designed to improve the quality of pilgrimage services and the overall Umrah journey, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

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The platform complements existing channels such as qualified travel agents by giving users the freedom to customise their trips. Pilgrims can select from integrated packages or individually book visas, accommodation, transportation, and tours.

Nusuk Umrah features a user-friendly interface that supports seven languages, integrates with government systems, and offers diverse payment options. This launch aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to welcome more Muslims worldwide while providing convenient, high-quality services.

Record-breaking Umrah attendance in first quarter of 2025

In a separate announcement on August 21, 2025, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) reported that over 15.2 million pilgrims performed Umrah in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting robust growth in religious tourism. Saudi nationals made up 24 per cent of this total, with males accounting for 60.5 per cent and females 39.5 per cent.

International pilgrims numbered 6,523,630, a 10.7 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Airports remained the primary entry point, accommodating 82.2 per cent of foreign arrivals. Meanwhile, 8,698,867 domestic pilgrims participated in Umrah, with non-Saudis comprising 58 per cent of this group.

Pilgrimage patterns reveal seasonal trends

GASTAT’s bulletin further revealed that January 2025 saw the highest share of international Umrah performers (36.5 per cent), with a dip in March. Conversely, domestic pilgrim numbers peaked in March at 80.9 per cent, with January recording the lowest attendance.

Additionally, Madinah welcomed 6,452,696 visitors during the quarter, including 4,412,689 from abroad, highlighting its continued importance as a spiritual destination.

These quarterly statistics, released since 2024, are compiled using field surveys and administrative data from the Pilgrim Experience Program and the Ministry of Tourism. The data informs service improvements to ensure pilgrims’ needs are met efficiently as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a premier global pilgrimage hub.