Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that Umrah visas will now be automatically cancelled if pilgrims fail to enter the Kingdom within 30 days of issuance.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced new regulations for Umrah pilgrims, introducing a significant change to the visa validity period. Under the updated policy, Umrah visas will now be automatically cancelled if the holder does not enter the Kingdom within 30 days of issuance.
The decision, which takes effect immediately, replaces the previous rule that allowed visa holders up to 90 days to travel after their visas were issued. However, the duration of stay inside Saudi Arabia remains unchanged, as pilgrims will still be permitted to remain for up to three months once they enter the country.
According to officials, the change aims to enhance travel management and streamline the arrival process for millions of Umrah pilgrims expected during the ongoing season. The ministry noted that the shorter validity window will help reduce congestion at entry points and improve coordination among service providers in Mecca and Madinah.
The decision comes amid a record rise in the number of international pilgrims. Since the start of the current Umrah season, over four million visas have been issued to worshippers from around the world — marking one of the busiest periods in recent years. The ministry said it is working closely with airlines, travel agencies, and accommodation providers to ensure a smoother pilgrimage experience.
This move follows a series of reforms introduced under Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to make the Kingdom more accessible to Muslim visitors. Earlier, Saudi authorities had allowed Umrah to be performed on various visa types, including family visit, tourist, work, and transit visas. The policy expansion was intended to make religious travel easier and promote year-round spiritual tourism.
In addition to the new visa rules, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues to promote digital platforms such as Nusuk and Eatmarna, where pilgrims can apply for visas, book accommodations, and manage travel arrangements. Officials emphasized that these digital tools are designed to simplify the process and provide real-time information on available slots for Umrah rituals.
Saudi Arabia’s latest visa update reflects its commitment to enhancing pilgrim experience, ensuring security and crowd control, and supporting the tourism sector’s growth. The authorities also urged pilgrims to plan their journeys carefully within the revised timeframe to avoid automatic visa cancellation.
