Saudi Arabia Issues New Guidelines for Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa Holders

Saudi Arabia has announced new regulations for holders of its multiple-entry Umrah visa, making it mandatory for pilgrims to book an approved service package and obtain an Umrah permit before every visit, even if their visa remains valid for one year.

According to a report by Gulf News published on Sunday, the new directive was issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The ministry said that holders of the multiple-entry Umrah visa must purchase an approved Umrah service package through an authorized provider on the Nusuk platform. In addition, pilgrims are required to obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk mobile application before traveling to Saudi Arabia.

The multiple-entry Umrah visa, introduced in July, remains valid for 365 days from the date of issuance. During this period, visa holders may enter Saudi Arabia multiple times. However, their total stay in the Kingdom must not exceed 90 days over the entire validity of the visa.

According to the ministry, the new visa system is designed to provide greater flexibility and convenience for pilgrims. Nevertheless, each individual trip requires a separate service package booking and a new Umrah permit, regardless of the visa's remaining validity.

Before every journey, travelers must purchase an approved Umrah service package through the Nusuk platform. The validity of the package cannot extend beyond the remaining validity of the visa.

Pilgrims must also obtain their Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before arriving in Saudi Arabia. The date specified on the permit must match the dates covered by the approved service package.

The ministry added that travelers must continue to meet all other entry requirements and travel regulations applicable to visiting Saudi Arabia.

For first-time travel under the new visa, the process begins with purchasing an approved service package through Nusuk. Applicants must then submit their visa application and complete all required procedures set by the relevant authorities.

After the traveler's eligibility has been verified, they will be permitted to board their flight to Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, their entry will be officially recorded, and their departure will also be logged when they leave the country. These records will be used to calculate the total number of days spent in Saudi Arabia and determine how many of the 90 permitted days remain.

The ministry's clarification means that possessing a valid multiple-entry Umrah visa alone is not sufficient for subsequent visits. Pilgrims planning to perform Umrah on each return trip must complete the required service package booking and obtain a new Umrah permit before traveling.