The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a clarification for holders of the new multiple-entry Umrah visa, confirming that the visa's year-long validity does not remove the requirement to book an approved service package and obtain a permit for every single visit. The clarification, published on the ministry's official channels, aims to correct a common misunderstanding among pilgrims planning repeat trips.
According to the ministry, visa holders must purchase a service package through a licensed provider on the Nusuk platform for each trip. The duration of that package must not exceed the stay remaining on the visa. In short, a valid visa on its own is not enough to enter the Kingdom for a subsequent Umrah.
How the multiple-entry visa works
The multiple-entry Umrah visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issue. It allows a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days across the full validity period. The visa is temporarily deactivated after each departure from Saudi Arabia and reactivated for the next visit only once all required procedures are completed.
The visa is not valid for entry during the core Hajj period, from 1 Dhul-Qi'dah to 13 Dhul-Hijjah. Pilgrims holding the visa should plan their trips around this restriction, since arrivals during that window are not permitted under the Umrah scheme. The ministry says the visa was created to give pilgrims more flexibility in organising visits, while stressing that each trip remains subject to individual service and permit requirements.
Steps required before every visit
The ministry set out a clear sequence that pilgrims must follow before each entry. First, purchase a service package from an approved provider through Nusuk. Second, obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before arrival. Third, ensure the permit dates match the approved service package dates. Fourth, meet all other travel and entry eligibility requirements.
For a first visit, pilgrims buy the service package, submit and process the visa application, verify travel eligibility before boarding, and record entry and departure details so the system can calculate the remaining stay. For subsequent visits, the process repeats: a new package, a new permit, fresh eligibility checks, and updated entry and exit records.
Why the clarification matters
The ministry explained that requiring a package and permit for each visit ensures that accommodation, transport and other services are properly arranged every time a pilgrim arrives. This protects pilgrims from arriving without confirmed lodging or logistics, and helps authorities manage crowds and services across the holy sites.
Pilgrims planning more than one Umrah in a year should budget for the fact that each trip carries its own package cost and permit process. The visa removes the need to reapply for entry authorisation, but it does not bundle the services together. Travellers should treat every visit as a separate booking from a planning and financial standpoint.
As a practical matter, pilgrims should keep the Nusuk app installed and updated, since permits, appointments and crowd alerts are managed through it. Before each journey, confirm that permit dates and package dates align exactly, and check the remaining balance of the 90-day cumulative allowance. Those intending to visit near the Hajj season should verify the entry restriction dates well in advance to avoid a rejected arrival.