Riyadh (The COW Nerws Digital) The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced a major change to its Umrah visa policy, shortening the validity period for travel after visa issuance and tightening entry requirements to manage the growing influx of pilgrims.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Umrah visa holders will now be required to enter the Kingdom within 30 days of visa issuance. Failure to do so will result in the visa being automatically canceled.
Previously, visa holders had up to three months to travel to Saudi Arabia after obtaining their visa. However, under the new regulations, the entry window has been reduced to one month, though pilgrims will still be allowed to stay up to three months inside the country once they arrive.
The ministry stated that the revised policy aims to ensure smoother management of the increasing number of international visitors performing Umrah and to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience.
“The new rules will help regulate arrivals and prevent delays that strain scheduling and accommodation systems in the holy cities,” said Ahmad Bajafar, advisor to Saudi Arabia’s National Committee for Umrah. He added that the updated policy will come into effect next week.
The decision comes amid record numbers of Umrah pilgrims this year. According to Arab News, more than four million Umrah visas have been issued since June 2025 — a sharp increase compared to previous years, reflecting the growing post-pandemic demand for pilgrimage travel.
Saudi authorities have been implementing several digital and administrative reforms to modernize the visa process. These include electronic visa issuance, online application systems, and closer coordination with travel agencies worldwide to streamline bookings and accommodation arrangements.
Officials from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that the new system will improve crowd management, reduce congestion during peak periods, and ensure that facilities in Makkah and Madinah can accommodate the rising number of pilgrims effectively.
The move aligns with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to expand religious tourism while maintaining safety, efficiency, and comfort for millions of visitors annually.
Pilgrims and tour operators have been advised to plan their trips carefully and adhere to the updated visa timelines to avoid cancellations or travel disruptions.
