Saudi Arabia has introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa that allows eligible pilgrims to enter the Kingdom repeatedly over a full year on a single visa. According to reporting on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's announcement, the new visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issuance and forms part of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030.
The change is designed for those who wish to perform Umrah more than once, replacing the older system in which a fresh visa was needed before every trip. For frequent visitors, it removes a significant layer of paperwork.
How the year-long visa works
Under the new rules, an eligible pilgrim can enter Saudi Arabia multiple times across the 365-day validity period. The total combined stay across all visits is capped at 90 days. This means a pilgrim can plan several separate Umrah journeys within a single year without reapplying for a visa each time, provided their total time in the Kingdom stays within the limit.
The ministry has described the visa as a way to simplify repeat Umrah travel and reduce the administrative burden that came with the previous one-trip-per-visa model. It reflects a broader push to make the pilgrimage more accessible and to encourage more frequent visits.
A stricter entry deadline
The reform also brings a tighter rule at the start of the visa's life. The Umrah visa will now be automatically cancelled if the pilgrim does not enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of issuance. This is a reduction from the previous window of around three months.
The shorter deadline means pilgrims should apply for the visa only when their travel plans are reasonably firm. Applying too early, before a trip is confirmed, risks the visa expiring before it can be used.
A package and permit still required for each visit
Importantly, the year-long validity does not remove the need to arrange services for every trip. According to the ministry's clarification, visa holders must purchase an approved service package, covering hotel and transport, from a licensed provider on the Nusuk platform for each individual visit.
In addition, pilgrims must obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before travelling, and a permit is required to enter Masjid al-Haram. In practice, the visa grants the right to enter the country repeatedly, but each Umrah journey still needs its own booking and permit arranged in advance.
Practical tips for repeat pilgrims
Pilgrims considering the multiple-entry visa should plan carefully to make the most of it. Apply within a month of a confirmed first trip to avoid the 30-day cancellation rule. Keep track of the cumulative 90-day limit across all visits, and factor it into how many journeys are realistic within the year.
Before each trip, book an approved package through the Nusuk platform and secure the Umrah permit in the app ahead of travel. Retain digital and printed copies of the visa, package confirmation, and permit for each visit. Pilgrims should always confirm the latest requirements with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah or a licensed provider, as procedures on the Nusuk platform continue to evolve.