Visa validity shortened under new regulations
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced a major revision to its Umrah visa policy, cutting the visa validity period from three months to one month.
Under the new rules, the visa’s validity will now be calculated from the date of issuance rather than from the date of arrival in the Kingdom.
Local media reported that the updated regulations will come into effect next week. According to the new policy, if a visa holder does not enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of issuance, the visa will automatically be canceled.
No change in stay duration for pilgrims inside the Kingdom
Despite the reduction in visa validity, the ministry clarified that there will be no change in the duration of stay allowed once pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia.
All Umrah visitors will still be permitted to remain in the country for up to three months from the date of their entry.
This means that pilgrims can continue to perform Umrah rituals in Makkah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah during their stay — a common practice among visitors from around the world.
Move aims to regulate pilgrim numbers and improve services
According to Ahmed Bajafar, an adviser to the National Committee for Hajj and Umrah, the decision is part of broader efforts to manage the flow of visitors and reduce overcrowding during the cooler months, when Umrah travel typically peaks.
He explained that the shorter visa validity would help authorities plan better for accommodation, transport, and crowd control, ensuring a smoother experience for pilgrims.
The Kingdom expects millions of Umrah pilgrims each year, in addition to those performing Hajj.
In 2023, more than 13 million Muslims performed Umrah, and Saudi officials have stated their goal of reaching 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030 as part of the Vision 2030 reform plan.
Digital platforms and tighter regulations introduced
Earlier in October, Saudi authorities had tightened Umrah-related procedures. Under those rules, pilgrims must book accommodation in advance and confirm their transportation arrangements through the official Nusuk or Maqam platforms before arrival.
These digital systems are designed to streamline services and prevent fraud while enhancing pilgrims’ safety and convenience.
Recently, the Saudi government also clarified that individuals holding any type of valid visa, including tourist visas, are allowed to perform Umrah during their stay — a move detailed in Saudi Arabia Lifts Visa Restrictions for Umrah Pilgrims.
This policy aims to make religious travel more flexible and accessible to Muslims visiting Saudi Arabia for various purposes.
Balancing accessibility and crowd management
The latest adjustment reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to balance openness to pilgrims with effective crowd management.
By shortening visa validity but maintaining the length of stay, authorities hope to prevent last-minute surges and ensure that only active travelers occupy limited service capacities during high-demand periods.
As the Kingdom continues modernizing its Hajj and Umrah systems, officials emphasize that these reforms are intended to enhance the overall spiritual and logistical experience for millions of visitors from across the Muslim world.
