Saudi Arabia updates Umrah visa rules amid surge in pilgrims Saudi Arabia’s

Saudi Arabia updates Umrah visa rules amid surge in pilgrims

03-11-25

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced a set of changes to Umrah visa regulations to cope with a sharp rise in pilgrim numbers and improve crowd management in the Kingdom’s two holy cities. Among the most significant measures is a shorter pre-entry validity period: whereas the Umrah visa previously allowed arrival within three months of issuance, the new rule reduces that window to just one month. If the traveler does not enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the visa’s issuance, the visa will be automatically cancelled.

Although the permitted length of stay in the Kingdom after arrival remains unchanged—up to three months—authorities say the shorter pre-entry validity helps anticipate seasonal surges in Makkah and Madinah, where visitor flows typically swell as temperatures drop after summer. Ahmed Bajaeifer, adviser to the National Committee for Umrah and Visitation, said the move forms part of a package designed to “better manage crowds and avoid saturation in both cities” during peak periods.

The numbers bear out the trend: since the start of the new Umrah season—which began in June—more than four million visas have been issued for international pilgrims, a record pace compared with prior years that places pressure on accommodation, transport, and services around the holy sites. The visa reform is complemented by other initiatives, such as extending Umrah eligibility to travelers holding other visa types (tourist, transit, work, family visit) and reinforcing digital platforms like Nusuk Umrah for booking packages, lodging, and transportation—steps aligned with Saudi Arabia’s broader plan to diversify its economy and elevate religious tourism.

Practically speaking, prospective pilgrims must now time their entry into the country more precisely after obtaining the Umrah visa, ensuring travel occurs within 30 days of issuance. This adjustment requires tighter coordination among tour operators, hotels, and local transport providers. For agencies and travelers alike, it is essential to confirm all elements of the trip in advance—hotel rooms, transfers, and Umrah service packages—since the visa may lapse even though the post-arrival stay duration is unchanged.

Saudi authorities have a clear objective: respond to the surge in pilgrims—which can strain national capacity at certain times of year—and ensure that the Umrah experience is not undermined by excessive crowding, delays, or service bottlenecks. It is also another step in the Kingdom’s strategy to anchor Umrah and religious tourism as pillars of its economic transformation under Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at reducing reliance on oil and generating new revenue streams.

Taken together, these measures mark a new chapter in the regulation of pilgrimages to Islam’s holiest sites, especially for the millions planning to visit Makkah or Madinah in the coming months. The immediate advice for would-be pilgrims is twofold: first, secure the visa with enough lead time relative to the travel date; second, use official channels or accredited agents to book lodging and transportation so that all requirements are satisfied before entry.

In short, Saudi Arabia’s updated Umrah visa rules reflect an effort to balance growth, sustainability, and service quality in a high-demand environment—where every detail matters to preserve both the spirituality of the rite and the country’s operational capacity.

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