Saudi Arabia shortens Umrah visa validity to one month; unused visas to be cancelled after 30 days

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced new amendments to Umrah visa regulations, reducing the validity period of the entry visa from three months to one month from the date of issuance. According to a report by Saudi Gazette, the changes, set to take effect next week, aim to improve visa management and regulate the rising number of pilgrims visiting the Kingdom.

Unused visas to be automatically cancelled

Under the revised policy, Umrah visas will be automatically cancelled 30 days after issuance if the holder does not register to enter Saudi Arabia within that time. However, once a pilgrim arrives in the Kingdom, the permitted stay remains three months, the ministry clarified.

Ahmed Bajaeifer, adviser to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, told Al Arabiya that the decision aligns with preparations for a surge in Umrah pilgrims as the cooler season begins in Makkah and Madinah. “The move is meant to prevent overcrowding and streamline pilgrim arrivals,” he said.

Managing growing pilgrim numbers

According to Saudi Gazette, over four million Umrah visas have been issued to international pilgrims since the season began in early June 2025, marking a record in just five months. The ministry expects the number to rise further toward the end of the year.

Officials added that this update is part of broader efforts to enhance the pilgrimage experience and manage capacity at key sites during peak travel months.

All visa types now eligible for Umrah

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed last month that holders of all visa types, including personal, family visit, electronic tourist, transit, and work visas, are now permitted to perform Umrah. The decision, reported by the Saudi Press Agency, supports the government’s goal of expanding access to religious travel under Vision 2030.

Digital booking through Nusuk Umrah platform

The ministry also highlighted its Nusuk Umrah platform, which enables users to book packages, obtain permits electronically, and select flexible timings. The platform is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing digital transformation to make pilgrimage procedures faster and more accessible for Muslims around the world.