New policy to begin next week; pre-entry validity reduced to one month
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced new changes to the Umrah visa policy, according to a report by Al Arabiya.
Under the updated rules, Umrah visas will automatically expire 30 days after issuance if the pilgrim does not enter Saudi Arabia within that period.
The revised policy will take effect next week. The pre-entry visa validity has been shortened from three months to one month from the date of issue. However, once pilgrims enter the kingdom, their allowed stay will remain three months.
Reason for the Change Ahmed Bajaeifer, adviser to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, said the decision aims to manage the growing number of Umrah pilgrims expected as cooler weather draws more visitors to Makkah and Madinah.
The adjustment is designed to enhance crowd control and ensure smoother movement in the holy cities during peak periods.
Record Number of Umrah Pilgrims Al Arabiya reported that over four million Umrah visas have been issued to international pilgrims since the start of the new Umrah season in early June.
This marks a record-breaking increase compared to previous years, with the current season welcoming an unprecedented number of visitors within just five months.
Wider Access for Visitors In a related move, Saudi authorities recently announced that visitors holding any type of visa can now perform Umrah during their stay in the kingdom, as part of the Vision 2030 initiative.
Eligible visas include personal and family visit visas, electronic tourist visas, transit or stopover visas, work permits, and other categories.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the decision reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to making Umrah more accessible for Muslims worldwide, allowing them to perform their religious rituals with ease, comfort, and peace of mind.
