Saudi Arabia Shortens Umrah Visa Validity Amid Record Pilgrim Numbers
RIYADH: As cooler weather draws more Muslims to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, the Kingdom has announced new rules to better manage the growing number of pilgrims.
According to a report by Al Arabiya, citing official sources, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reduced the validity of Umrah visas from three months to one month from the date of issuance.
Since the beginning of the new Umrah season in early June, more than four million Umrah visas have been issued to international pilgrims — a record figure in under five months.
The revised regulations, set to take effect next week, also stipulate that the visa will be automatically cancelled if the pilgrim does not enter the Kingdom within 30 days of issuance.
However, the ministry clarified that the permitted duration of stay for pilgrims inside Saudi Arabia remains unchanged at three months from the date of entry.
Ahmed Bajafar, advisor to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, said the decision aims to prevent overcrowding in Makkah and Medina during the peak winter months.
While Umrah rituals are performed exclusively in Makkah, many pilgrims also visit Medina to pray at the Prophet Mohammad’s Mosque during their stay.
In October, Saudi authorities tightened Umrah regulations, introducing requirements such as pre-booked accommodation and verified transport arrangements via the Nusuk or Masar platforms.
The Kingdom has also reaffirmed that visitors holding any type of visa are permitted to perform Umrah during their stay.
