Saudi Arabia tightens Umrah Visa Validity: 3-Month Window Cut to Just 30 Days
In a major policy shift aimed at better organizing Hajj and Umrah management amid a continuous increase in pilgrims, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced a significant change to its visa policy.
Under the new amendments, the validity period for Umrah visa entry has been drastically reduced from three months to just one month (30 days) from the date of issue.
What the Change Means for Pilgrims
The new policy, which is set to take effect next week, does not impact the overall duration pilgrims can stay in the Kingdom once they arrive.
• Visa Validity (Before Entry): The visa is only valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. If a pilgrim does not register or enter Saudi Arabia within this 30-day window, the visa will be automatically cancelled.
• Duration of Stay (After Entry): Crucially, the maximum permitted stay for Umrah pilgrims remains unchanged at three months (90 days) upon arrival in the Kingdom, according to sources cited by Saudi media outlet Al Arabiya.
The primary objective of this move is to streamline the visa process, control unexpected overcrowding, and ensure that only pilgrims who are fully prepared utilize the visa opportunity.
Managing the Post-Summer Surge
Ahmed Bazaifer, Advisor to the National Committee for Umrah and Visits, told Al Arabiya that the Ministry is anticipating a massive influx of Umrah visitors as the summer heat subsides and the weather cools in Makkah and Madinah.
“This decision is part of a larger preparation to manage this surge smoothly and control overcrowding in the two Holy Cities,” Bazaifer stated
According to the Saudi Gazette, over four million Umrah visas have been issued for international pilgrims since the start of the new Umrah season in early June. This record number issued in just five months significantly surpasses statistics from previous seasons.
Wider Access and Digital Platforms
The new visa validity rule comes just a month after the Ministry announced a broad expansion of tourism facilities. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that now all visa holders—including Personal, Family Visit, Electronic Tourist, Transit, and Work Visas—are permitted to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry emphasized that these steps align with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to simplify processes for Umrah pilgrims and dramatically expand access to Umrah services.
The Ministry urges all pilgrims to utilize the ‘Nusuk Umrah Platform’. This comprehensive digital system allows users to book customized Umrah packages, electronically obtain Umrah permits, and select convenient time slots, making the pilgrimage easier, more accessible, and modern for Muslims worldwide.
