Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced a new rule reducing the Umrah visa validity period before entry into the Kingdom. Under the new regulation, the visa will now expire 30 days after being issued if the holder does not enter Saudi Arabia within that time.
The previous validity period was three months. The change aims to help manage crowds more effectively during the busy pilgrimage season.
According to Al Arabiya, the new rule will take effect next week. However, once pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia, they can still stay for up to three months as the in-country stay duration remains unchanged.
Ahmed Bajaeifer, adviser to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, said the decision was made in anticipation of a rise in the number of pilgrims as temperatures cool in Mecca and Medina, leading to increased travel.
The Kingdom has already issued over 4 million Umrah visas since the start of the new season in early June, which officials say is a record pace compared to previous years. Authorities expect the number to climb further in the coming months, making crowd control, accommodation and transportation top priorities for local officials.
READ MORE: Saudi Arabia Launches Digital Guide in Urdu to Ease Pilgrims Journey
In recent years, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced several digital and administrative reforms to speed up visa procedures, improve facilities, and make the pilgrimage experience smoother for visitors from around the world.
