Umrah Visa Regulations to Take Effect Next Week
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that new Umrah visa regulations will take effect next week, introducing key changes aimed at improving the management of pilgrim arrivals and ensuring smoother travel coordination during the ongoing Umrah season.
Under the updated rules, the pre-entry validity of the Umrah visa will be reduced from three months to one month from the date of issuance. This means that pilgrims must enter the Kingdom within 30 days of receiving their visa, or it will be automatically cancelled. However, once inside Saudi Arabia, the duration of stay for Umrah pilgrims remains unchanged at up to three months.
Officials said the changes are intended to streamline visa usage, prevent overcrowding in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, and align with the Kingdom’s broader plans to enhance pilgrim services under Saudi Vision 2030.
The Ministry has urged prospective pilgrims and licensed travel agents to plan their journeys carefully to ensure entry within the new validity period. Travel operators are also advised to synchronise flight bookings and accommodation schedules with the shortened visa timeframe to avoid last-minute disruptions.
Since the start of the new Umrah season in June, Saudi Arabia has issued more than four million Umrah visas, reflecting a sharp rise in global demand for pilgrimage travel. The latest regulatory update is seen as part of the Kingdom’s continued efforts to strengthen visitor management and improve the overall spiritual experience for millions of worshippers each year.