International Umrah pilgrims can now enter Saudi Arabia repeatedly on a single visa valid for a full year, under rules the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has put in place for the current season. According to a report published by The Manila Times on September 25, 2026, the permit replaces the older single-entry model and allows a cumulative stay of up to 90 days across all visits within its validity period.

The change reshapes how pilgrims from outside the Kingdom plan their journeys. Rather than applying afresh for each trip, a traveller can hold one visa and return to Makkah and Madinah several times before it expires. The visa is issued and managed through the Kingdom's official Nusuk platform.

How the visa works

The Umrah visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issuance. Within that window, a pilgrim may make multiple entries into Saudi Arabia, provided the total time spent in the Kingdom does not exceed 90 days in aggregate. According to the report, the visa automatically deactivates when the holder leaves the country and can be reactivated for a subsequent trip under the specified conditions.

Each visit requires its own arrangements. Pilgrims must obtain a fresh Umrah permit through the Nusuk app for every trip and reserve a separate slot to perform Tawaf on arrival. The e-visa itself is typically issued within 24 to 72 hours of application, according to The Manila Times.

There is one firm restriction tied to the pilgrimage calendar. The Umrah visa cannot be used during the Hajj period each year, running from the 1st of Dhul Qadah through the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. The report notes this annual suspension is intended to manage crowds while the Hajj is under way. Pilgrims planning a visit close to that window should confirm the corresponding Gregorian dates before booking.

Requirements before travel

Documentation standards remain strict. A passport must be valid for at least six months from the planned date of entry. The meningitis ACWY vaccination is required and must be administered at least 10 days before arrival, according to the report. Pilgrims are advised to keep proof of vaccination accessible throughout their stay.

The application runs entirely through Nusuk, where travellers can choose an integrated service package or book components such as accommodation and transport separately. Because the permit and Tawaf slot are booked per visit, pilgrims returning later in the year should treat each trip as a new booking rather than assuming their earlier arrangements carry over.

What it means for pilgrims

For families and frequent worshippers, the one-year visa removes a recurring administrative burden and can lower the overall cost of repeated Umrah trips. It also fits the wider push under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to welcome larger numbers of Muslims and to make the pilgrimage process more digital and self-directed.

At the same time, the 90-day cumulative cap means the visa is not open-ended. Travellers who plan several long stays should track how many days they have used, since overstaying can carry fines and other consequences. The season's entry and departure deadlines, published separately by the Ministry, also apply, so an active visa does not override the calendar's cut-off dates.

Practical tips for pilgrims:

  • Apply through the official Nusuk platform only, and allow up to 72 hours for the e-visa to be issued before you travel.
  • Complete the meningitis ACWY vaccination at least 10 days ahead of arrival and carry the certificate with you.
  • Book a fresh Umrah permit and a Tawaf slot on Nusuk for every visit, not just the first.
  • Keep a running count of days spent in the Kingdom so your combined stays stay within the 90-day limit.
  • Avoid scheduling a visit between 1 Dhul Qadah and 13 Dhul-Hijjah, when the Umrah visa is suspended for the Hajj season.
  • Confirm the season's final entry and departure dates before booking a trip late in the visa's validity.