According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, a pilgrim must enter the Kingdom within 30 days of the visa’s issuance. In other words, the visa will automatically expire if the traveler does not arrive in Saudi Arabia within that period.
However, once inside the Kingdom, pilgrims will still be permitted to stay for up to three months. Ministry sources confirmed that the new system will officially come into effect next week. The Ministry stated that the decision aims to streamline visa processing and enhance the efficiency and organization of pilgrims’ entry procedures.
According to Ahmed Bajuaifer, an advisor to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, the decision is part of the Ministry’s preparations for the anticipated surge in Umrah pilgrims. With the end of summer and the arrival of cooler weather in Makkah and Madinah, the number of visitors is expected to rise significantly. The new policy seeks to ensure better crowd management and prevent congestion in the holy cities.
As reported by the Saudi Gazette, since the beginning of the new Umrah season up to early June, over four million Umrah visas have already been issued to international visitors — a record number for just five months, surpassing all previous seasons.
Last month, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also announced that holders of all types of visas — including personal, family visit, tourist, transit, and work visas — are now permitted to perform Umrah. The Ministry said the initiative aims to simplify access to the pilgrimage and facilitate participation for Muslims worldwide, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Ministry further highlighted the Nusuk Umrah Platform, an integrated online system that enables visitors to book packages, obtain permits, and plan their trips with greater flexibility and ease. This digital service is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to make the Umrah experience more accessible, organized, and seamless for Muslims across the globe.
