Saudi Arabia has launched a new multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for 365 days from the date of issuance, allowing pilgrims to visit the Kingdom several times within a single year. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the visa permits a cumulative stay of up to 90 days across its validity period, giving worshippers far greater flexibility than the previous single-use model.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the initiative forms part of the Kingdom's Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030. The stated aim is to simplify travel procedures, improve service efficiency and strengthen Saudi Arabia's position as a year-round destination for Muslim visitors.

How the new visa works

The 90 days of permitted stay do not need to be taken in one trip. Instead, pilgrims can spread their visits across the year, with the total time inside the Kingdom counted cumulatively. According to the ministry, the visa is automatically deactivated each time the traveller departs Saudi Arabia, and reactivated once they meet the regulatory requirements for a subsequent visit.

There is one important restriction. The visa will not be active during the annual Hajj season, which runs from the first day of Dhul-Qi'dah until the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah. This measure aligns with the Kingdom's long-standing rules that separate Umrah travel from the Hajj period, when access to the holy sites is reserved for registered Hajj pilgrims.

Nusuk booking required for every visit

The flexibility of the new visa comes with a firm condition. For each visit, pilgrims must purchase an approved service package through the Nusuk platform, the Kingdom's unified digital gateway for permits, bookings and pilgrimage services. The duration of the package cannot exceed the number of days remaining on the visa.

Travellers must also obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk application before arriving in the Kingdom. No entry to the Grand Mosque in Makkah is permitted without this digital permit, regardless of the visa a pilgrim holds. The ministry said the requirement supports the integration of digital and operational services across the entire pilgrimage experience.

Part of a wider digital shift

The multiple-entry visa is the latest step in Saudi Arabia's broader effort to modernise how pilgrims plan and perform Umrah. In recent seasons the Kingdom has opened Umrah to holders of a range of valid visa types, including tourist eVisas, while making the Nusuk platform the central tool for permits and accommodation. Officials have said Nusuk has surpassed 30 million downloads and now reaches users from more than 190 countries.

For pilgrims who wish to combine Umrah with business, family visits or tourism across the year, the new visa removes the need to apply repeatedly for separate entry permits. The ministry said the move is designed to give worshippers greater control over planning their spiritual journeys while keeping the process regulated and orderly.

What it means for pilgrims worldwide

For families and frequent worshippers, the year-long validity removes much of the friction of repeated applications. A pilgrim who lives within a short flight of the Kingdom, or who travels for work, can now perform Umrah on several occasions without securing a fresh entry visa each time. Officials say this responsiveness is central to the Pilgrim Experience Program, which treats ease of access as part of the spiritual welcome extended to visitors.

The change also reflects Saudi Arabia's ambition to grow the number of Umrah performers each year while keeping the process orderly. By tying every visit to a Nusuk booking and permit, the authorities retain visibility over who is in the holy cities and when, even as they widen the door to entry. Analysts view the visa as a balance between flexibility for pilgrims and control for planners.

Practical tips for pilgrims

  • Book before every trip: Remember that a valid visa alone is not enough. Secure a Nusuk service package and an Umrah permit before each departure.
  • Track your 90 days: The stay limit is cumulative across the year, so keep a record of how many days you have used on previous visits.
  • Avoid the Hajj window: Plan visits outside the Dhul-Qi'dah to mid-Dhul-Hijjah period, when the visa is inactive.
  • Keep documents digital: Store your Nusuk permit and booking confirmations on your phone for smooth entry to the Grand Mosque.

According to the ministry, the new framework is expected to support the Kingdom's strategy to expand religious tourism while maintaining the safety and organisation of the two holy cities throughout the year.