Saudi Arabia has announced Umrah visa new rules Saudi Arabia that will take effect next week. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reduced the validity of the entry visa from three months to one month from the date of issuance. However, once a pilgrim arrives in the Kingdom, the stay duration remains unchanged at three months.
Under the updated regulations, the Umrah visa will be automatically cancelled if unused within 30 days of issuance. Officials said the change aims to manage the increasing number of pilgrims more efficiently and prevent overcrowding in Makkah and Madinah, especially during the cooler season when visitor numbers surge.
According to Al Arabiya, this move is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to streamline visa procedures and ensure smooth entry processes for pilgrims. The Kingdom has already issued over four million Umrah visas since June, marking a record-breaking season.
The Umrah visa new rules Saudi Arabia come alongside recent policy updates that allow holders of all visa types — including tourist, family visit, and work visas — to perform Umrah. This expansion supports Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of enhancing religious tourism.
The Ministry also highlighted the Nusuk Umrah platform, which allows pilgrims to book packages, obtain permits, and select timings online. This digital system simplifies the process, offering flexibility and ease of access for Muslims around the world who wish to perform Umrah.
These changes signal Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to improving the pilgrimage experience while ensuring efficient management of pilgrim inflows.
