Saudi Arabia Makes Major Change to Umrah Visa

The Saudi government has reduced the validity of the Umrah visa from three months to one month. The new policy will come into effect next week.

Al Arabiya reported this on Friday (October 31), citing the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

However, the duration of stay for pilgrims after arriving in Saudi Arabia will remain the same at three months. There will be no change in that regard.

According to a report by Gulf News, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made some changes to the Umrah visa. Under the revised rule, if a pilgrim does not register their name for entering Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the visa being issued, the Umrah visa will automatically be canceled. This step has been taken to simplify visa management and make the entry process easier for pilgrims.

Ahmed Bajief, advisor to the National Committee for Umrah and Visits, told the media that this decision is part of the ministry’s preparation to handle the expected crowd of Umrah pilgrims. It is anticipated that the number of pilgrims may increase after the summer season ends and temperatures drop in Mecca and Medina. The goal is to avoid overcrowding in the two holy cities.

Earlier this month, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that holders of any type of Saudi visa will now be able to perform Umrah.

In a statement, the ministry said this decision has been taken as part of efforts to simplify procedures and expand services for Umrah pilgrims. It is also a key step in implementing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The ministry added that holders of personal and family visit visas, e-tourist visas, transit visas, work visas, and other types of visas will now be able to perform Umrah.