Saudi Arabia suspends the issuance of Umrah visa in preparation for the 1445H Hajj season

KUALA LUMPUR: The issuance of Umrah visas through the smartphone app “Nusuk” has been suspended from Thursday, May 23 (15 Zulkaedah) to June 21 (15 Zulhijjah).

The announcement was made by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in an infographic posted on the ministry’s official X account on Thursday. The suspension prohibits all categories of tourist visa holders from entering Mecca during this period to facilitate preparations for the 1445 Hajj season (Hejra).

The ministry also stressed that only holders of a Hajj visa are allowed to practice the fifth pillar of Islam and recalled strict penalties for those caught illegally entering the seven areas designated for Hajj pilgrims.

The Saudi government had previously announced a fine of SAR 10,000 for people entering the restricted areas without Hajj permits. These areas include Makkah, the Central Region, Masyair, Haramain Station in Rusayfah, the security control centers, the quarantine centers and the temporary security control centers.