Saudi Arabia Revises Umrah Visa Policy

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has amended its Umrah visa policy, introducing new conditions for pilgrims’ entry into the Kingdom.

According to a report by Al Arabiya, citing unnamed official sources, the new rule states that Umrah visas will be automatically canceled if the holder does not enter Saudi Arabia or register for travel within 30 days of issuance.

However, the duration of the visa itself remains unchanged. Once a pilgrim enters Saudi Arabia, the Umrah visa will remain valid for 90 days, starting from the date of entry.

Previously, there was no requirement to travel within one month of receiving the visa — marking a key change in the updated policy.

Sources said the new regulation will come into effect next week, and confirmed that the overall validity period of the Umrah visa is not being shortened.

Ahmed Bajaiyfar, adviser to the National Committee for Umrah and Tourism, told Al Arabiya that the number of Umrah pilgrims is expected to increase significantly in the coming period. The ministry, he said, is making preparations to accommodate the rising demand, and the policy revision is part of that readiness plan.