Saudi Arabia reduces Umrah visa validity to one month
In an effort to better manage the flow of pilgrims and ensure a smoother experience in the holy cities, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has announced an important change to Umrah visa regulations. Now, the **entry visa is valid for only one month** from the date of issuance instead of three months.
It is worth noting that the **stay period after entry remains up to three months**. Additionally, if the visa is not used and the pilgrim does not register for entry within 30 days of issuance, the visa will be automatically canceled.
💡 Why was this decision made?
According to official sources, since the beginning of the new Umrah season (June–October this year), more than **4 million visas have been issued to international pilgrims**. The ministry noted that with the end of the summer season and cooler weather in Makkah and Madinah, the number of pilgrims is expected to increase. **The new regulations aim to prevent overcrowding and improve visa control efficiency.**
✅ What does this mean for pilgrims?
- Pilgrims must plan their trip so that they **enter Saudi Arabia within one month** of visa issuance.
- If the visa is not used within 30 days, it will be canceled — it’s important to track deadlines.
- The **length of stay after entry remains the same — up to three months**, providing flexibility for pilgrims.
- For travel agents and tour operators, this means more accurate scheduling and fewer risks of canceled or unused visas.
📝 How to prepare properly?
– After receiving your visa, make sure your trip is planned within the next **30 days**.
– Confirm your hotel and transport bookings to ensure timely entry.
– Verify that your visa/entry is registered on the required platform if applicable.
– Check with your travel agent or visa provider to see how this new rule applies to your visa and booking.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is the Umrah entry visa valid now?
The visa is valid for **one month from the date of issuance**. If entry is not made within 30 days, the visa will be canceled.
2. How long can I stay in the country after entering?
The period of stay after entry remains the same — **up to three months**.
3. Why is Saudi Arabia making this change?
To improve the management of pilgrim numbers, prevent overcrowding in the holy cities, and enhance the efficiency of visa processing and control.
4. What if I already received a visa under the old rules?
If your visa was issued before the new rules took effect, check with your travel agent or operator whether it still follows the previous conditions. It is recommended to enter as soon as possible.
5. How will this affect tour operators and hotel bookings?
Travel agencies must now plan exact entry dates within the 30-day window to avoid visa cancellations and related losses.
📌 Source: Saudi Gazette, Gulf News
