Jeddah: Saudi Arabia has announced a new Umrah visa policy, reducing the entry period for pilgrims from three months to one month, according to Arab media reports on Friday.
Streamlining Pilgrimage Entry
The change aligns with the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to streamline visa procedures and manage the influx of Umrah pilgrims more effectively. Officials said the new policy is designed to ensure better coordination during busy travel periods and improve the overall pilgrim experience.
Reports indicate that the revised policy may come into effect next week, pending final approval by Saudi authorities. The adjustment is part of a broader plan to enhance digital processing and maintain smooth entry operations at airports and border points.
Visa Cancellation on Delay
Under the updated rule, pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia within one month of their visa being issued. Failure to do so will lead to automatic cancellation, according to Arab media. Previously, visitors had a three-month window to arrive, offering more flexibility for planning travel.
However, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah aims to ensure timely arrivals and balanced crowd management, particularly during peak religious seasons.
Duration of Stay Remains Unchanged
Despite the shorter entry window, the duration of stay inside the Kingdom remains the same. Pilgrims will still be allowed to stay for up to three months after entering Saudi Arabia. This ensures that they have sufficient time to perform Umrah rituals and visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Although an official statement confirming the exact implementation date is pending, reliable sources expect the new rules to be enforced next week.
