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Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah Ministry has updated its regulations for issuing Umrah visas, according to sources cited by Al Arabiya. Going forward, if a pilgrim doesn’t enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of receiving their visa, it will be automatically canceled. The new policy is set to take effect next week, reducing the visa’s validity window from three months to just one month from the date it’s issued. However, the maximum duration of stay after entry remains unchanged at three months.
Ahmed Bajaeifer, an advisor for the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, explained to Al Arabiya that these changes come as the ministry anticipates a surge in pilgrims after summer ends and temperatures in Makkah and Madinah drop. The goal is to better control crowd management and avoid overcrowding in the two holiest cities.
This season is seeing unprecedented activity, with over four million Umrah visas issued to international visitors since the early June start of the season. Compared to previous years, this year is on track to set a record for international pilgrims in just five months.
Last month, officials announced that all categories of visas—such as tourist, family, transit, work permits, and others—would now be eligible for performing Umrah during a visitor’s stay in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 initiative. This move aims to make it easier for Muslims from around the world to fulfill their religious duties comfortably and securely.
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