Can You Perform Umrah on a Tourist Visa?
One of the biggest changes in recent years is that tourists can now perform Umrah on a regular tourist visa. But there is an important extra step: the Nusuk permit. This guide explains the rules.
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Yes, you can perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa. However, you still need to book an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app, which is required regardless of your visa type. The tourist visa gets you into the country; Nusuk authorises the Umrah itself.
Tourist visa vs dedicated Umrah visa
A tourist visa is flexible: it lets you travel around the country and perform Umrah, with a longer overall validity. A dedicated Umrah visa is focused on the pilgrimage and can have its own conditions and seasons.
For many independent travellers, the tourist visa plus a Nusuk permit is now the simplest path. Those travelling through an Umrah operator may still use a dedicated Umrah visa.
The Nusuk permit is the key step
Whatever visa you hold, the permit to actually perform Umrah and to enter certain areas is booked through Nusuk. Treat it as a separate, required step rather than something the visa covers.
Book the permit early, especially in peak periods such as Ramadan, when slots fill quickly.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I still need a Nusuk permit if I have a tourist visa?
Yes. The Nusuk permit is required to perform Umrah regardless of your visa type. The tourist visa alone does not authorise the pilgrimage.
Is Umrah allowed all year on a tourist visa?
Umrah is generally available for much of the year, but access can be restricted around the Hajj season. Check current rules in Nusuk before planning.
Where can I find official information?
Always rely on the official government portals such as absher.sa and moi.gov.sa for the most accurate, up-to-date information about your residency.
Is this guide official?
No. This is an independent informational guide written to explain the topic in plain English. It is not affiliated with the Saudi government.