Saudi Arabia Removes Age Limit for Umrah : New Rules for Pilgrims 2025

Saudi Arabia has removed the maximum age restriction for Umrah pilgrims 2025. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed this change as part of Saudi Vision 2030 reforms. Previously, foreign pilgrims over 50 years old faced restrictions during and after COVID-19. Now, elderly Muslims of any age can perform Umrah if they meet health requirements.

This affects millions of Muslims worldwide, particularly senior citizens who were denied visas due to age caps. The minimum age remains 18 years for foreign pilgrims.

What Was the Previous Age Limit for Umrah?

During the pandemic, Saudi Arabia implemented strict age controls to manage crowds and reduce health risks.

Previous restrictions included:

• Minimum age: 18 years for foreign pilgrims
• Maximum age: 50 years for foreign pilgrims
• Only domestic pilgrims could perform Umrah above 50

This policy frustrated thousands of elderly Muslims who had waited their entire lives to visit Makkah and Madinah. Many Pakistani seniors faced rejection despite being physically fit and financially prepared.

What Is the Age Limit for Umrah Now in 2025?

The maximum age limit has been completely removed for 2025.

Current age requirements:

• No maximum age: Elderly pilgrims can apply at any age
• Minimum age for foreigners: 18 years
• Children under 18: Allowed with parents or guardians
• Saudi residents: Minimum 12 years with COVID-19 vaccination

During COVID-19, only ages 18-50 were permitted. That restriction ended in 2025.

Why this matters: Over 60% of Umrah visa rejections before 2025 were due to age restrictions. That barrier no longer exists.

Umrah Age Limit for Child: Rules for Young Pilgrims

The umrah age limit for child travelers has specific requirements.

Children cannot get independent visas. They must travel with:

• Parents
• Grandparents
• Adult siblings (brother/sister over 21)

Documents needed for children under 18:

Identity papers:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Birth certificate
• Family relationship proof

Health requirements:

• Meningococcal vaccine
• COVID-19 vaccine (recommended)
• Seasonal flu vaccine (recommended)
• Polio vaccine (for Pakistani children)

Travel approval:

• Both parents’ consent if traveling with one parent
• Notarized permission letters where required
• Booking under guardian’s name on Nusuk platform

Practical tip: Children aged 5-12 can obtain Umrah permits through Eatmarna app, but must stay with parents at all times. Children under 5 can enter mosques but don’t need separate permits.

What Are The Updated Visa Requirements?

The Ministry has introduced new documentation standards alongside the age policy change.

Mandatory requirements for all pilgrims:

• Confirmed hotel booking via Nusuk platform
• Verified local transportation arrangement
• Digital permits through Eatmarna app
• Valid visa (Umrah, tourist, or family visit)
• Return flight tickets

Without verified Nusuk bookings, visa applications will be automatically rejected. This applies to all visa categories without exception.

New visa flexibility:

• Tourist e-visa holders can perform Umrah
• Family visit visa holders can perform Umrah
• Transit visa holders can perform Umrah
• No separate Umrah visa needed anymore

Health and Vaccination Requirements

While the age barrier is gone, health protocols have become stricter for elderly pilgrims.

Required Vaccinations

Cost in Pakistan:

• Meningococcal vaccine: PKR 3,000 to 4,000
• Medical fitness certificate: PKR 2,000 to 5,000
• Available at government hospitals and private clinics

Medical Fitness Certificate

Pilgrims over 60 years must submit a doctor’s certificate confirming:

• Physical ability to perform rituals
• No serious heart or respiratory conditions
• Capability to walk long distances
• Fitness to handle Saudi climate

Health Tips for Elderly Pilgrims

Senior travelers face unique challenges during Umrah due to heat, crowds, and physical demands.

Before departure:

• Complete health checkup one month before travel
• Carry two months’ supply of regular medications
• Get medical records translated to English or Arabic
• Consult doctor about adjusting medicines for climate

During Umrah:

• Drink water constantly (minimum 3-4 liters daily)
• Avoid direct sunlight between 11 AM and 4 PM
• Take rest breaks between rituals
• Wear comfortable, supportive walking shoes
• Use wheelchair services if needed (free at holy sites)

Medical conditions to monitor:

• Diabetes: Check blood sugar more frequently
• High blood pressure: Avoid excessive walking in heat
• Respiratory issues: Wear masks in crowded areas
• Joint problems: Use mobility aids without hesitation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For Elderly Pilgrims

Avoid these errors:

• Booking packages without completing medical checkup first
• Not carrying medications in original packaging with prescriptions
• Traveling during summer heat months (May to August)
• Ignoring physical limitations and overexerting

Best practices:

• Get fitness certificate before making any bookings
• Travel during October to March for cooler weather
• Bring detailed medical reports translated to English
• Plan rest periods between rituals

For Parents with Children

Avoid these errors:

• Not checking child’s passport expiry (needs 6+ months validity)
• Missing vaccination deadlines and requirements
• Booking budget hotels far from Haram with difficult access
• Last-minute visa applications for children

Best practices:

• Apply 8 weeks ahead for child visas and family processing
• Book family-friendly hotels with elevators near Haram
• Pack children’s regular medicines and familiar snacks
• Carry extra sets of children’s clothing

For All Applicants

Avoid these errors:

• Applying through unauthorized or unregistered agents
• Not verifying hotel bookings through official Nusuk platform
• Waiting until last minute to start visa process
• Incomplete documentation or missing certificates

Best practices:

• Use Ministry of Religious Affairs-approved agents only
• Verify all bookings are Nusuk-certified and legitimate
• Apply minimum 6 weeks before intended travel date
• Double-check all documents before submission

What This Means for Pakistani Pilgrims

Pakistani Muslims benefit significantly from age limit removal.

The numbers:

• 40,000+ Pakistani pilgrims over 60 could not get visas in 2020-2023
• 2025 applications from seniors increased 340%
• Average age of Pakistani Umrah pilgrims: 48 years

Advantages for Pakistan:

• Multi-generational family groups can travel together
• Grandparents can accompany families
• Senior citizens fulfill lifelong wishes
• No discrimination based on age alone

Challenge: Pakistani pilgrims must still use authorized agents. Direct applications remain unavailable for Pakistani nationals.

Economic Benefits for Saudi Arabia

The policy change supports Saudi Vision 2030‘s economic diversification strategy.

Expected outcomes:

• Religious tourism revenue increase of 25-30%
• Job creation in hospitality sector
• Increased demand for hotels near holy sites
• Growth in transportation services
• Expansion of medical facilities for pilgrims

Saudi authorities have invested billions in infrastructure to accommodate the expected surge in elderly pilgrims. This includes wheelchair-accessible pathways, escalators at holy sites, and expanded medical centers.

The Kingdom targets $12 billion in annual religious tourism revenue by 2030. Removing age barriers is central to achieving this goal.

 Is there any specific age limit requirement for Pakistan?

No, Pakistani pilgrims follow the same age rules as other countries – minimum 18 years with no maximum age limit. Children under 18 can only travel with immediate family.

What age can I perform Umrah?

In 2025, there is no upper age limit for performing Umrah, as Saudi Arabia has removed previous restrictions. As long as you meet the health requirements and are physically fit, you can perform Umrah at any age. However, pilgrims aged 60 or older will need a medical fitness certificate from a doctor.

Is there still an age cap for Umrah pilgrims in 2025?

No, the age cap for Umrah has been completely removed. The maximum age limit of 50 years for foreign pilgrims has been lifted, making the pilgrimage available to Muslims of all ages, as long as they meet health criteria.

What health checks are required for elderly Umrah pilgrims?

Elderly pilgrims, usually those aged 60 and above, must provide a medical fitness certificate before their Umrah visa is approved. The certificate should confirm that the individual is in good health and fit to undertake the physical demands of Umrah. Additionally, they must show proof of required vaccinations (Meningococcal, COVID-19, and seasonal flu) before traveling.

Can my child perform Umrah in 2025?

Yes, children under 18 can perform Umrah, but they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For foreign pilgrims, the age limit for Umrah visa still applies, requiring minors to travel with an adult to perform the pilgrimage.

Do I need a special visa to perform Umrah?

In 2025, all valid visa holders, including those with Tourist, Family Visit, and Transit visas, can perform Umrah. The requirement for a specific Umrah visa has been removed, making the process easier for travelers from various countries.

What does this change mean for Saudi Vision 2030?

The removal of the age limit for Umrah pilgrims supports Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the Kingdom’s economy through increased tourism. By making Umrah more accessible, especially for elderly Muslims, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global hub for religious tourism. The change will likely lead to a significant increase in the number of pilgrims visiting the Kingdom, contributing to the local economy.

Conclusion

The removal of the age limit for Umrah represents a historic opportunity for Pakistani families to fulfill the spiritual dreams of their elderly loved ones.

With proper planning, health preparation, and choosing the right travel partner, senior pilgrims can safely perform Umrah in comfort and dignity

KSA Travels offers specialized Umrah packages designed for elderly pilgrims, including:

• Hotels closest to Haram for minimal walking
• Wheelchair assistance and mobility support
• 24/7 on-ground support team
• Medical emergency coordination
• Flexible itineraries for rest periods

For bookings and inquiries, visit ksatravels.pk or contact our customer service team.