Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a new multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for 365 days from the date of issuance, a reform aimed at making repeat pilgrimage travel simpler for Muslims around the world. According to the ministry, eligible pilgrims can now enter the Kingdom multiple times across the one-year window, with a combined stay of up to 90 days in total.
A more flexible route for repeat pilgrims
The ministry described the change as part of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to host a greater number of Muslims and reduce the paperwork involved in visiting the holy sites. Previously, many pilgrims had to apply for a fresh visa each time they wished to perform Umrah. The new visa removes that requirement for the covered period, allowing several journeys under a single authorisation.
The reform is expected to benefit pilgrims who travel frequently, including those living in nearby countries and those who wish to combine Umrah with visits at different points in the year. It also aligns with the Kingdom's broader goal of welcoming 30 million Umrah performers annually by the end of the decade.
Requirements for every visit
While the visa itself lasts a year, the ministry has been clear that two conditions apply to each individual entry. First, pilgrims must purchase a fresh service package covering hotel and transport from an approved provider on the Nusuk platform for every visit. Second, they must obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before travelling to the holy sites.
These conditions mean the visa does not replace the booking process for each trip. Instead, it removes the need to reapply for the entry document itself, while the service package and permit steps remain in place to manage capacity and maintain order at the Grand Mosque.
Shorter window to enter the Kingdom
The ministry also confirmed a tightening of the entry deadline. An Umrah visa will now be automatically cancelled if the pilgrim does not enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of its issuance, a reduction from the previous three-month period. Pilgrims should therefore plan their first entry carefully to avoid losing the visa.
The measure sits alongside the Kingdom's wider Umrah calendar for the 1448 AH season, under which visa issuance and pilgrim arrivals began on May 31, 2026, with a final visa issuance date set for early March 2027.
Practical tips for pilgrims
Pilgrims considering the new visa should confirm their eligibility, as direct online applications through Nusuk are currently available to travellers from visa-exempt and eVisa-eligible countries. Before each journey, they should book an approved Nusuk service package and secure an Umrah permit in advance, keeping digital copies on hand.
Because the visa is cancelled if unused within 30 days, travellers are advised to finalise their first trip promptly after issuance. Those planning several visits across the year should keep track of their cumulative days inside the Kingdom to stay within the 90-day total. Checking the Nusuk app for the latest requirements before every trip remains the safest approach.