Saudi Arabia Introduces One-Year Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa

For millions of Muslims planning Umrah, Saudi Arabia has announced a major change that offers greater flexibility and convenience. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, allowing eligible pilgrims from abroad to travel to the Kingdom multiple times within a year under specific conditions.

A Major Policy Change for Umrah Pilgrims

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the new initiative has been introduced under the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to make Umrah travel easier and more efficient for pilgrims.

Under the new policy:

The Umrah visa will remain valid for 365 days from the date of issuance.
Eligible pilgrims can enter Saudi Arabia multiple times within one year.
Each visit must comply with the Kingdom's approved regulations.

This change gives Muslims greater flexibility to perform Umrah more than once without applying for a new visa before every journey.

Service Package Required Before Every Trip

Although the visa remains valid for one year, pilgrims must complete specific requirements before each visit to Saudi Arabia.

Purchase a service package through an approved service provider on the Nusuk platform before every trip.
Ensure that the selected service package does not exceed the remaining validity period of the visa.

Umrah Permit Is Still Mandatory

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that all pilgrims must obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before traveling.

Without a valid Umrah permit, pilgrims will not be allowed to perform Umrah.

Visa Reactivation After Every Journey

The ministry also explained that the multiple-entry visa will automatically become inactive once a pilgrim leaves Saudi Arabia.

Before every new trip, the visa will only be reactivated after all required conditions have been fulfilled.

Not Valid During the Hajj Season

The one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa cannot be used during the Hajj season.

It will be unavailable from 1 Dhul Qa'dah to 13 Dhul Hijjah.
Entry into Saudi Arabia on this visa will not be permitted during this period.

What This Means for Pilgrims

The new visa system allows Muslims around the world to plan Umrah trips with greater flexibility while benefiting from Saudi Arabia's expanding digital services. By using the Nusuk platform and Nusuk app, pilgrims can complete the required procedures more efficiently before each visit.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia's new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa is a significant step toward improving the pilgrimage experience for international visitors. While the visa allows multiple visits within 365 days, pilgrims must still obtain an Umrah permit and purchase an approved service package before every journey. The visa will also remain unavailable during the Hajj season, ensuring separate arrangements for Hajj pilgrims.