Saudi Arabia has welcomed more than 931,500 Umrah pilgrims on Umrah visas so far in 2026, a 22.5 percent increase compared with the same period in 2025. The figures point to sustained growth in the year-round pilgrimage as the kingdom expands capacity and streamlines travel under Vision 2030.
The rise reflects both stronger demand and a series of policy changes designed to make repeat Umrah travel simpler. According to reporting on the latest numbers, the top international visitors this year have come from Pakistan, Indonesia and Iraq.
What is driving the increase
Several factors are converging. Saudi Arabia has widened the window for Umrah, invested in transport and crowd management around the two holy mosques, and digitised much of the booking process through the Nusuk platform. Together these steps have lowered the practical barriers to performing Umrah outside the Hajj season.
A major change this year was the introduction of a one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, valid for 365 days from the date of issue. Eligible pilgrims can enter the kingdom multiple times across that window, for a combined stay of up to 90 days. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah described the change as part of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Vision 2030, aimed at reducing the paperwork of applying for a fresh visa each time.
The visa deactivates on departure after a pilgrimage and can be reactivated for the next visit once regulatory requirements are met. For frequent travellers, and for those living within reach of the kingdom, this offers real flexibility.
Services keeping pace with numbers
Growth on this scale places demands on accommodation, catering and transport. Saudi authorities have pushed an integrated service model that bundles hotels, transfers and meals through approved providers on Nusuk, so that arriving pilgrims have arrangements confirmed before travel.
At the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum 2026, operators showcased upgraded transport fleets, including large group buses and higher-class vehicles offering more space and amenities. The emphasis on integrated logistics is intended to smooth the pilgrim journey between Makkah, Madinah and the airports, and to reduce bottlenecks during peak weeks.
Even so, every entry still carries two requirements. Pilgrims must purchase a service package covering hotel and transport from an approved provider on Nusuk, and they must obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before travelling. These conditions apply to each visit, including under the new multiple-entry visa.
Practical tips for pilgrims
Those planning Umrah in the months ahead can take a few simple steps to travel smoothly. Book service packages and secure the Nusuk permit before departure rather than on arrival, since permits are required for each visit. Keep digital and printed copies of the visa, permit and booking confirmations.
Because the busiest periods bring larger crowds, consider quieter windows if you have flexibility, and allow extra time for transfers. Confirm that any bundled transport matches your hotel location, and verify meal and shuttle arrangements with your provider in advance.
Finally, plan for the weather. Summer months in Makkah and Madinah can be intensely hot, so pilgrims should hydrate frequently, rest during peak heat, and follow official heat-safety guidance while performing the rites.