The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced significant changes to the Umrah visa regulations. Under the new rules, the Umrah visa will now be valid for only one month (30 days) from the date of issuance, compared to the previous validity of three months.
According to the ministry, pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the visa being issued. If a pilgrim fails to arrive within this period, the visa will be automatically canceled. However, once inside the Kingdom, visitors will still be allowed to stay for up to three months. The new system is set to come into effect next week.
A ministry spokesperson said the updated policy aims to streamline the visa process, enhance efficiency, and reduce congestion during peak pilgrimage seasons.
Advisor to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, Ahmed Bujayfer, explained that the decision is part of the ministry’s preparations to manage the expected surge in Umrah visitors. With the end of summer and the arrival of cooler weather in Makkah and Madinah, a significant increase in pilgrim arrivals is anticipated.
According to Saudi Gazette, since the beginning of the current Umrah season, over four million Umrah visas have been issued to international pilgrims — the highest number in recent years.
The ministry also reaffirmed that all visa holders — including personal, family, tourist, transit, and work visa holders — are now permitted to perform Umrah. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to facilitate and expand access to Umrah for Muslims worldwide.
Additionally, the ministry highlighted the “Nusuk” Umrah platform, an integrated digital system that allows pilgrims to book packages, obtain permits, and plan their travel itineraries online with ease. This platform is designed to make the Umrah process simpler, faster, and more accessible for Muslims across the globe.
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