Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa that will remain valid for 365 days from the date of issuance, allowing pilgrims to visit the Kingdom several times within a year.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), holders of the new visa can make multiple entries into Saudi Arabia, with a maximum cumulative stay of up to 90 days during the visa’s validity period.
The initiative is aimed at making Umrah travel more convenient while improving services for pilgrims.
Part of Saudi Vision 2030
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the new visa supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Programme, which seek to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience through improved services and digital transformation.
Officials said the initiative is designed to simplify travel procedures, enrich pilgrims’ journeys, and increase the efficiency of services provided to visitors.
Service Package Required for Every Visit
Under the new policy, pilgrims must purchase a service package through an approved provider on the Nusuk platform before each visit.
The ministry clarified that the duration of the selected package cannot exceed the remaining validity of the visa.
This requirement is intended to ensure that accommodation and pilgrimage-related services are properly arranged before travelers arrive in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia Reduces Umrah Visa Validity from Three Months to One
Umrah Permit Remains Mandatory
In addition to obtaining the visa, pilgrims must also secure an Umrah permit through the Nusuk mobile application before entering Saudi Arabia.
The ministry emphasized that the permit remains a mandatory requirement for performing Umrah, even for holders of the new multiple-entry visa.
Visa Suspended During Hajj Season
According to the ministry, the visa will automatically be deactivated after each departure from Saudi Arabia and will only be reactivated once all regulatory requirements are fulfilled for the next visit.
The ministry also confirmed that the visa will not be activated during the Hajj season, specifically from 1 Zilqad to 13 Zilhajj, in line with the Kingdom’s pilgrimage regulations.
Greater Flexibility for Pilgrims
Saudi authorities said the new visa offers pilgrims greater flexibility in planning multiple Umrah visits throughout the year while supporting the integration of digital and operational services.
The move reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to modernize pilgrimage management, improve visitor services, and facilitate easier access to the Two Holy Mosques as part of its long-term Vision 2030 strategy.
