Saudi Arabia clarifies rules for one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa

Saudi Arabia’s one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa allows pilgrims to make several trips to the kingdom, but a valid visa alone does not guarantee entry for every visit. Pilgrims must buy a new approved service package and obtain an Umrah permit for each trip, while visas that remain valid next year cannot be activated for entry during the Hajj 2027 season.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced the multiple-entry visa on July 20, 2026. It is valid for 365 days from the date of issue and allows a cumulative stay of up to 90 days across multiple visits.

The one-year validity means visas issued in the second half of 2026 could remain valid during Hajj 2027. However, the ministry has specifically said the visa will not be activated for entry during the Hajj season, from 1 Dhu Al-Qi'dah until 13 Dhu Al-Hijjah.


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What the rule means for Hajj 2027

Hajj 2027 is expected to take place in May, with the main Hajj rites projected to run from around May 14 to May 19. The dates remain subject to Saudi Arabia's official determination of the Islamic calendar.

The entry restriction starts earlier than the main Hajj rites because it begins on 1 Dhu Al-Qi'dah. As a result, pilgrims holding a multiple-entry Umrah visa that is otherwise valid during this period should not assume they can use it to travel to Saudi Arabia around Hajj 2027.

The restriction does not shorten the stated 365-day validity of the visa. Instead, the ministry says the visa will not be activated for entry during the specified Hajj-season period.

New service package needed for every visit

Outside the Hajj restriction period, pilgrims planning another visit must purchase a service package from an approved provider through the Nusuk platform.

The package must fit within the number of stay days still available under the visa. Pilgrims must also obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before travelling, with the permit corresponding to the dates of the approved package.

The ministry said the visa allows a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days during its 365-day validity. This means the 90-day allowance is shared across all visits rather than being available separately for each trip.

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What happens after leaving Saudi Arabia

The visa is deactivated after the holder leaves Saudi Arabia. For another visit, it is reactivated after the pilgrim meets the required conditions.

For subsequent trips, the visa holder must purchase another approved service package, obtain an Umrah permit and meet the applicable entry and travel eligibility requirements. Saudi authorities record entry and departure information to calculate how many days remain from the 90-day cumulative allowance.

For pilgrims planning several Umrah trips over the coming year, the distinction is important: the visa provides multiple-entry eligibility for up to 365 days, but each trip still requires separate Nusuk procedures, and the visa cannot be used for entry during the designated Hajj season.