Riyadh, October 30, 2025 — Saudi Arabia has announced a series of major initiatives to make the Umrah pilgrimage easier and more accessible for Muslims around the world.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced new digital visa and booking services, allowing pilgrims to apply for visas, book flights, accommodation, and transportation directly online through the newly launched Nusuk platform.
Officials said the initiative aims to simplify the pilgrimage process, reduce dependence on travel agents, and ensure a smoother experience for visitors to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
“Our goal is to make the journey of every pilgrim more convenient, transparent, and spiritually fulfilling,” a ministry spokesperson said.
The 2025 Umrah season has already seen a record increase in pilgrim arrivals, with over 1.2 million visitors from more than 100 countries performing Umrah since the season began — a 30 percent rise compared to last year.
Saudi authorities have also expanded airport facilities, transport services, and accommodation options to handle the growing number of pilgrims.
The move is part of the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for religious tourism while enhancing the spiritual experience for millions of visitors every year.
