The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a clarification for holders of the new multiple-entry Umrah visa, confirming that the year-long validity does not remove the requirement to book an approved service package and obtain a fresh permit for every single visit. The clarification, published on August 18, 2026, aims to prevent confusion as pilgrims begin planning repeat journeys under the 1448 AH season.

According to the Ministry's statement on its official channels, a valid visa alone is not enough to perform another Umrah. Each trip must be arranged separately through the Nusuk platform, with accommodation, transport and other services confirmed before travel.

How the multiple-entry visa works

The multiple-entry Umrah visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issue. It allows the holder to enter the Kingdom several times, with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days across the full validity period.

The 90-day allowance is pooled, not reset with each visit. Every day spent inside Saudi Arabia counts against the same shared total. Once the 90 days are used, the holder cannot enter again on that visa, even if the one-year validity has not yet expired.

The Ministry said the scheme was designed to give pilgrims greater flexibility in organising visits and performing Umrah more than once in a year. However, it stressed that each trip remains subject to individual service and permit requirements.

What pilgrims must do before every visit

The clarification sets out clear steps that apply before each arrival. According to the Ministry, holders of the visa must:

  • Purchase a service package from an approved provider through the Nusuk platform for each visit.
  • Obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk application before arrival in the Kingdom.
  • Match the permit dates to the approved service package dates.
  • Meet all other travel and entry eligibility requirements before boarding.

The Ministry added that the duration of any service package must not exceed the number of days remaining on the visa. This ensures that accommodation, transport and catering are arranged correctly for each stay.

Visa status between trips and the Hajj restriction

The Ministry explained that the visa is temporarily deactivated after each departure from Saudi Arabia. It is then reactivated for the next visit once the holder completes all required procedures, including a new Nusuk booking and permit.

There is an important seasonal limit. The multiple-entry Umrah visa cannot be used to enter the Kingdom during the Hajj period, defined as the dates from 1 Dhu al-Qi'dah to 13 Dhu al-Hijjah. Pilgrims planning to travel close to the Hajj season should check the Umm al-Qura calendar carefully, as these dates shift each year against the Gregorian calendar.

Why the clarification matters

For many pilgrims, the appeal of a year-long visa is the ability to return to Makkah and Madinah more than once without reapplying. The Ministry's message is that convenience at the visa stage does not remove the operational steps required for each journey.

The clarification also reinforces the central role of the Nusuk platform, which the Ministry now uses to manage packages, permits and entry records across both Umrah and Hajj. Booking through licensed providers on Nusuk remains the only approved route, and the Ministry has repeatedly warned against unofficial brokers offering shortcuts.

Practical tips for pilgrims

Pilgrims holding or applying for the multiple-entry visa can keep their journeys smooth by planning ahead:

  • Track your 90 days. Keep a running note of days already spent in the Kingdom so a later trip is not cut short.
  • Book each visit fresh. Arrange a new Nusuk service package and Umrah permit before every arrival, not just the first.
  • Align your dates. Make sure permit dates and package dates match, and that the package fits within your remaining validity.
  • Avoid the Hajj window. Do not plan an Umrah entry between 1 Dhu al-Qi'dah and 13 Dhu al-Hijjah on this visa.
  • Use official channels only. Book through licensed providers on the Nusuk app or website, and avoid unofficial agents promising to bypass the rules.

Pilgrims can verify all current requirements through the Nusuk platform and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before finalising travel plans.