Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced significant revisions to its Umrah visa regulations, aiming to enhance crowd management and streamline the influx of international pilgrims.
According to Al Arabiya, the new rules stipulate that Umrah visas will now be automatically canceled 30 days after issuance if the holder has not entered the Kingdom within that period.
This adjustment shortens the pre-entry validity from three months to one month, although the allowed stay after arrival remains unchanged at three months.
The updated policy is set to take effect next week and comes in anticipation of a substantial rise in Umrah pilgrimages following the end of the summer season and cooler weather in Mecca and Medina.
According to Ahmed Bajaeifer, adviser to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, the decision is part of broader efforts to ensure smoother logistics, prevent overcrowding, and improve the overall experience for pilgrims.
Since the start of the new Umrah season in early June, over four million visas have already been issued to international worshippers.
Officials say this season is witnessing record-breaking participation within just five months, reflecting the growing global demand for spiritual journeys to Islam’s holiest sites.
