RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for 365 days, allowing pilgrims to visit the Kingdom several times within a year while staying for a cumulative period of up to 90 days, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The ministry said the new visa is part of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Programme, aimed at making Umrah travel more convenient, enhancing pilgrims’ experience, and improving the efficiency of services through digital transformation.
Multiple Entries Allowed Within One Year
Under the new policy, the Umrah visa remains valid for one year from the date of issuance and permits multiple entries into Saudi Arabia. However, the total duration of stay across all visits must not exceed 90 days.
Officials said the initiative offers greater flexibility for pilgrims planning multiple religious visits throughout the year.
Nusuk Platform Mandatory for Service Packages
The ministry stated that pilgrims must purchase an approved service package through an authorized provider on the Nusuk platform before each visit.
According to the ministry, the selected package must not exceed the number of days remaining on the visa’s validity.
In addition, pilgrims are required to obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk application before arriving in the Kingdom.
Visa Deactivated After Each Exit
The ministry explained that the visa will automatically be deactivated after each departure from Saudi Arabia and reactivated once all regulatory requirements are completed for the next visit.
However, the visa cannot be used during the Hajj season, specifically from 1 Zilqad to 13 Zilhajj, when Umrah access is temporarily suspended.
Supporting Vision 2030
Saudi authorities said the new multiple-entry visa strengthens the Kingdom’s efforts to modernize pilgrimage services by integrating digital platforms and simplifying travel procedures.
The initiative is expected to improve the overall pilgrimage experience while supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 goal of welcoming more religious visitors from around the world.
