---
title: "GCC Unified Tourist Visa Will Allow Performing Umrah"
url: "https:\/\/theislamicinformation.com\/news\/gcc-unified-tourist-visa-performing-umrah\/"
type: "post"
updated: "2025-06-18"
description: "One Visa, Six Countries \u2014 and Potential Access to the Holy Cities Outside Hajj Season."
taxonomies: ["News","Visa"]
---

# GCC Unified Tourist Visa Will Allow Performing Umrah

Source: https://theislamicinformation.com/news/gcc-unified-tourist-visa-performing-umrah/
Updated: 2025-06-18

A major shift in regional travel policy may soon make performing [Umrah](https://theislamicinformation.com/umrah/miqat-locations-wear-ihram-hajj-umrah/) more accessible for millions of Muslims worldwide.

The upcoming **GCC Unified Tourist Visa**, set to launch by the **end of 2025**, is expected to allow **entry into Saudi Arabia for [Umrah](https://theislamicinformation.com/umrah/miqat-locations-wear-ihram-hajj-umrah/)**, outside the Hajj season.

But, one has to **take[mandatory hotel booking](https://theislamicinformation.com/news/hotel-booking-required-before-umrah-visas-for-international-pilgrims/) from Nusuk Masar** in order to get Umrah permit.

The visa, approved by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, will permit travelers to **visit all six Gulf countries** — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain — on a single visa.

Though primarily aimed at boosting tourism across the region, the visa is also anticipated to become a **convenient new pathway for [Muslim pilgrims](https://theislamicinformation.com/duas/dua-for-travelling/)** hoping to perform Umrah.

## **Umrah Access Likely — But Not During Hajj**

While official guidelines are still pending, sources familiar with current visa frameworks suggest the unified visa will follow the **existing Saudi tourist visa model**.

That model currently allows Muslims to perform **Umrah at any time of year — except during the Hajj season**, when stricter pilgrimage regulations apply.

Given this precedent, the GCC tourist visa is **highly likely to permit Umrah**, making it easier for Muslims to include Makkah in multi-country itineraries or travel specifically for the pilgrimage while also visiting other Gulf destinations.

Currently, **GCC residents** can perform Umrah using Saudi tourist visas, and **non-resident tourists** from eligible countries can apply through the Saudi eVisa platform.

The visa is also expected to **streamline travel planning** and eliminate redundant visa applications across borders, particularly beneficial for [Muslim tourists](https://theislamicinformation.com/travel/) and diaspora communities in Europe, Asia, and Africa.