Saudi Arabia has introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for one full year, in a move that allows pilgrims to visit the Kingdom several times within a single visa period. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the new visa on July 20, 2026, describing it as part of a broader effort to make the pilgrimage easier to plan and to deepen the experience for those who wish to return to the holy sites more than once.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issuance and permits repeated entries into the Kingdom, with a cumulative stay capped at 90 days across the full year. The change marks a significant shift from the traditional single-use Umrah visa, which allowed one visit before expiry.

How the new visa works

The one-year visa is built around the Kingdom's digital pilgrimage systems. Each time a pilgrim wishes to travel, they must purchase a service package from an approved provider on the Nusuk platform. The Ministry stated that the duration of each package cannot exceed the number of days still remaining on the visa's 90-day allowance.

Entry into the Kingdom also depends on issuing an Umrah permit through the Nusuk application before arrival. This keeps the new visa aligned with the wider rules already in place for the 1448 AH season, under which every visit must be linked to a confirmed booking.

The Ministry explained that the visa is deactivated after each departure and reactivated once the pilgrim meets the regulatory requirements for the next visit. In practical terms, this means the visa functions as a rolling entitlement: it stays valid for the year, but each individual trip must be arranged and confirmed on its own.

A key exception during Hajj season

The Ministry was clear that the multiple-entry visa will not be active during the Hajj season. It cannot be used for entry from the first of Dhu Al-Qi'dah to the 13th of Dhu Al-Hijjah. This restriction protects the separate and strictly regulated Hajj permit system, which governs who may perform the annual pilgrimage.

Pilgrims planning to travel close to the Hajj period should note this window carefully. A one-year Umrah visa does not grant any right to perform Hajj, and attempting to remain in the Kingdom to do so without the proper Hajj permit carries heavy penalties under Saudi regulations.

Part of a wider modernisation drive

The Ministry said the new visa aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the goals of the Pilgrim Experience Program, which aims to ease arrival, enrich the spiritual journey, and improve the efficiency of services. Officials affirmed that the visa enhances flexibility in planning visits and supports the integration of digital and operational services across a pilgrim's journey.

The launch follows a season of steady growth in Umrah travel. Saudi authorities have reported strong arrival numbers for the 1448 AH season, and the Kingdom has continued to expand digital tools such as the Nusuk platform, which now handles bookings, permits, and service packages for pilgrims from more than 190 countries.

Practical tips for pilgrims

For those considering the new visa, a few points are worth keeping in mind:

  • Track your 90 days. The one-year validity is generous, but the total stay across all visits cannot exceed 90 days. Plan each trip so the combined total stays within that limit.
  • Book through Nusuk every time. Each visit requires a fresh service package and an Umrah permit issued before you arrive. Confirm both before booking flights.
  • Avoid the Hajj window. The visa is inactive from the first of Dhu Al-Qi'dah to the 13th of Dhu Al-Hijjah. Do not plan an Umrah trip during this period on this visa.
  • Keep documents ready. Because the visa reactivates for each visit, make sure your bookings, permits, and any required health documents are in order ahead of every entry.
  • Confirm eligibility with an approved agent. Rules and package options can vary by country, so check the latest details with a licensed provider before applying.

The multiple-entry visa offers a practical benefit for pilgrims who live near the Kingdom or who travel for work and wish to perform Umrah more than once in a year. For most travellers, the single-visit route remains available, but the new option adds welcome flexibility for those who intend to return to Makkah and Madinah throughout the year.