Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for a full year, marking one of the most significant changes to pilgrim entry rules in recent seasons. The visa allows holders to enter the Kingdom several times over a 365-day period, with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days.
According to the Ministry, the visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issuance. Beneficiaries can make multiple entries subject to meeting the standard regulatory requirements. The move is designed to make repeat visits far simpler for pilgrims who previously needed a fresh visa for each journey.
How the new visa works
The headline feature is flexibility. Rather than a single entry tied to one trip, the visa opens the door to several Umrah journeys within the same year. This suits pilgrims who live in nearby countries, those combining Umrah with business or family visits, and expatriates in the Gulf who wish to return to the holy cities more than once.
For each visit, the rules remain clear. Visa holders must purchase a service package from an approved provider through the Nusuk platform. They must also obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk application before arrival. The 90-day allowance is cumulative, meaning the total days spent inside the Kingdom across all visits cannot exceed the limit.
One important restriction applies. The visa is not valid during the Hajj season. Pilgrims planning to travel close to the Hajj period should check the annual calendar carefully, as entry to Makkah is tightly controlled in the weeks before and during the pilgrimage.
Part of a wider reform push
The Ministry has framed the new visa as part of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program. Both initiatives aim to raise the number of Umrah visitors the Kingdom can host each year while improving the quality of service pilgrims receive.
The change follows a strong start to the current season. Saudi authorities reported a sharp rise in Umrah arrivals during the opening weeks, with pilgrims from Pakistan, Indonesia and Iraq among the most numerous. A one-year visa gives the Kingdom room to sustain that momentum by encouraging return visits rather than one-off trips.
The Nusuk platform sits at the centre of the system. Described by the Ministry as a one-stop shop, it lets visitors browse and book Umrah and Ziyarah packages from authorised providers, arrange transport, and secure the permits needed to enter the Grand Mosque.
Practical tips for pilgrims
If you intend to use the new visa, plan around a few key points. First, book each visit's service package through Nusuk before you travel, as this is a condition of entry. Second, secure your Umrah permit in the Nusuk app ahead of arrival to avoid delays at the Grand Mosque. Third, keep a running total of the days you spend in the Kingdom so you do not exceed the 90-day cumulative cap.
Finally, remember that the visa does not cover the Hajj season. Pilgrims should confirm the exact dates each year and avoid booking Umrah travel that overlaps with the restricted period. For families planning several trips, the new visa can offer real savings in time and paperwork, provided the rules are followed at every stage.