Saudi Arabia has announced a major change to its Umrah visa policy, reducing the validity of the visa from three months to one month from the date of issuance. The new rule, reported by Al Arabiya.net, will take effect next week.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Umrah visa will be cancelled if the pilgrim does not enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of its issuance. However, once pilgrims arrive in the Kingdom, the permitted duration of stay remains the same—up to three months.
Officials said the decision aims to control the increasing number of visitors to Makkah and Madina, especially during cooler months when pilgrim traffic rises sharply. The policy will help authorities manage crowd flow and ensure a more organized experience for all visitors.
Ahmed Bajafar, adviser to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, said that the change will help improve service efficiency and prevent overcrowding at holy sites. He added that managing the timing of entries will make it easier to balance accommodation and transport resources.
Earlier in October, Saudi Arabia also introduced stricter regulations for Umrah pilgrims. These include mandatory pre-booking of accommodation and verification of transport arrangements through official platforms such as Nusuk and Masar. The ministry said these measures will streamline travel and reduce confusion for international visitors.
The Kingdom has clarified that holders of all types of visas—including tourist, family, and business—are still allowed to perform Umrah during their stay, provided they meet all requirements.
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This step is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 goals to modernize its pilgrimage management system, enhance visitor services, and ensure a safe, smooth, and sustainable experience for millions of worshippers who travel each year to perform Umrah and Hajj.
