Following the conclusion of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia announced it will resume issuing Umrah visas starting Tuesday, June 10.
The announcement came as Muslim pilgrims completed the final rite of Hajj — the tawaf al-wada or “farewell circumambulation” around the Kaaba — marking the spiritual climax of days spent in devotion across the holy sites of Makkah.
Saudi authorities also confirmed that entry restrictions to the holy city, which had been in place to manage the influx of Hajj pilgrims, will be lifted on Wednesday, June 11. These restrictions previously barred anyone without a valid Hajj permit or authorized residency or work documentation from staying in Makkah, including those with tourist or other types of visas.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that 1,673,230 Muslims took part in this year’s pilgrimage. Of these, a substantial 1,506,576 came from abroad, while 166,654 were pilgrims residing in Saudi Arabia.
The easing of restrictions and reopening of Umrah visa applications marks a new chapter for Muslims worldwide looking to perform the lesser pilgrimage in the coming months.