Saudi Arabia Revises Umrah Visa Policy, Shortens Travel Validity to 30 Days
In a significant policy shift, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced new regulations for Umrah visas, reducing the travel validity period from 90 days to 30 days.
In a significant policy shift, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced new regulations for Umrah visas, reducing the travel validity period from 90 days to 30 days. Under the updated system, pilgrims must enter the Kingdom within 30 days of the visa’s issuance, failing which the visa will be automatically cancelled.
Previously, travelers were allowed a three-month window to commence their journey. However, once inside Saudi Arabia, the permitted duration of stay remains unchanged at three months.
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According to an advisor from the Saudi National Committee for Umrah, the revised policy will take effect next week. The move aims to streamline the visa process and better manage the growing influx of Umrah pilgrims, which has surged to record levels in recent months.
Since June this year, Saudi authorities have issued more than four million Umrah visas to international pilgrims—marking one of the highest figures in recent history. Officials say the updated system is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to modernize crowd management, enhance digital efficiency, and ensure a safe and comfortable experience for worshippers visiting Makkah and Madinah.
Umrah, unlike Hajj, can be performed throughout the year and is a voluntary act of worship. Saudi officials emphasized that the latest measures are designed to accommodate the rising number of visitors while maintaining a smooth and organized pilgrimage environment.
