Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for a full year, giving pilgrims the option to make several visits to the holy cities without applying for a new visa each time. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issuance and permits multiple entries within that period, with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days across all visits. The initiative marks one of the most significant changes to Umrah travel policy heading into the 1448 AH season, and it has drawn renewed attention from pilgrims and travel agencies in recent days.

How the One-Year Visa Works

The core feature of the new visa is flexibility. A traditional single-entry Umrah visa is used up once the pilgrim departs Saudi Arabia, requiring a fresh application for any subsequent trip. The multiple-entry visa removes that barrier for the visa's 12-month lifespan.

According to the Ministry, the visa is deactivated after each departure from the Kingdom and is reactivated once the pilgrim meets the regulatory requirements for the next visit. This means each journey is treated individually, but the underlying visa remains live for the full year. The 90-day allowance is cumulative, so pilgrims should track the total number of days spent in the Kingdom across all their trips rather than treating each visit as a separate 90-day window.

The Ministry stated that the visa "enhances flexibility in planning visits and supports the integration of digital and operational services throughout the pilgrim's journey." Officials have linked the measure to Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program, both of which aim to expand access to the holy cities and improve the quality of services for the growing number of visitors.

Applying Through the Nusuk Platform

The new visa is managed entirely through Nusuk, the Ministry's official digital platform for Umrah and visits. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the process involves two main steps. First, the pilgrim purchases a service package from an approved provider on the Nusuk platform. Second, the pilgrim obtains an Umrah permit through the Nusuk application before arriving in the Kingdom.

Each visit within the year requires its own service package and permit. The Ministry has specified that a package's duration cannot exceed the number of days remaining on the visa. Travel guidance published by Wego, last updated in September 2026, notes that pilgrims must book a matching Umrah permit ahead of every trip, aligning the permit dates with their planned travel.

Key Restriction During Hajj Season

The multiple-entry visa carries one important limitation. According to the Saudi Press Agency, it cannot be activated during the Hajj season, defined as the period from the first of Dhul-Qi'dah through the thirteenth of Dhul-Hijjah. This restriction protects the specialised arrangements and permit systems that govern the annual Hajj, which remains a separate process with its own quotas, registration, and visa requirements.

Pilgrims planning trips close to the Hajj period should therefore build their schedules around this blackout window. Those seeking to perform Hajj itself must still follow the dedicated Hajj registration and visa channels rather than relying on an Umrah visa.

Fees and Eligibility

Official statements from the Ministry did not specify the visa fee or a detailed list of eligible nationalities. Pilgrims are advised to confirm the exact cost, any required documents, and eligibility for their country directly through the Nusuk platform or an accredited Umrah service provider before booking. Requirements can vary by nationality and are subject to change as the Ministry updates its regulations.

The policy arrives amid record demand for Umrah. Saudi authorities have reported millions of pilgrims performing Umrah in recent seasons, and the Kingdom has repeatedly signalled its intention to raise annual visitor numbers as part of Vision 2030. A one-year visa that supports repeat visits fits squarely within that ambition, particularly for pilgrims who live within travelling distance of the Kingdom or who wish to combine business and religious travel.

Practical Tips for Pilgrims

  • Track your days. The 90-day stay allowance is cumulative across the year, not per visit. Keep a running total to avoid overstaying.
  • Book a permit every time. A valid visa is not enough on its own. Secure a fresh Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before each trip, with dates matching your travel.
  • Mind the Hajj window. Plan visits outside the first of Dhul-Qi'dah to the thirteenth of Dhul-Hijjah, when the visa cannot be activated.
  • Use approved providers only. Purchase service packages from providers accredited on the Nusuk platform to ensure your booking is valid.
  • Confirm costs early. Because fees and eligibility were not detailed in the official announcement, verify them through Nusuk or a licensed agent before committing to travel.

For pilgrims who hope to return to Makkah and Madinah more than once in a year, the multiple-entry Umrah visa represents a meaningful simplification. As always, checking the latest requirements on official Ministry channels before booking remains the safest approach.