Saudi Arabia recently implemented major changes to its Umrah visa regulations, shortening the period that pilgrims can enter the Kingdom after receiving their visa from ninety days to thirty.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah requires international pilgrims to arrive within one month after receiving their Umrah visa, or their permit will automatically become null and void.
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Officials confirmed that this new entry rule aims to streamline pilgrim movement, improve crowd management, and ensure better planning during the Umrah season throughout the year.
The ministry has clarified that pilgrims who do not enter the Kingdom within thirty days will need to reapply for visas, as extensions will no longer be granted under its updated policy.
Saudi authorities stated that previous regulations allowed a three-month window for entry after receiving a visa; however, their revised rule is intended to improve control and coordination regarding increasing pilgrim arrivals.
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Ahmed Ba Jafar, adviser of the National Committee for Umrah, confirmed that new regulations would go into effect starting next week and all travel operators have been informed to follow this updated system.
He added that under this policy change, Umrah companies will need to closely manage pilgrims’ travel schedules and complete arrangements promptly in order to prevent visa cancellations and financial inconvenience.
According to Arab News, over four million Umrah visas have been issued since June, marking an unprecedented surge in international pilgrim arrivals compared to past years.
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Saudi officials noted that with an ever-increasing pilgrimage population comes increased planning tools, technological updates and policy modifications needed to maintain efficient operations across airports, transportation networks and accommodation facilities.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah highlighted that the new entry rule forms part of an overarching plan to manage growing global demand for Umrah pilgrimages and deliver an organized and efficient pilgrimage experience.
