Saudi Arabia has introduced a new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, allowing eligible pilgrims to perform the Islamic pilgrimage several times within a 12-month period without applying for a new visa for each trip. The measure is designed to make religious travel more flexible while supporting the Kingdom’s broader efforts to modernise pilgrimage services and expand tourism under Vision 2030.
Announced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issue and permits multiple entries into Saudi Arabia. However, pilgrims may stay in the Kingdom for a maximum cumulative total of 90 days across all visits during the visa’s validity. Every re-entry remains subject to Saudi Arabia’s existing regulatory and travel requirements.
“The ministry affirmed that the visa enhances flexibility in planning visits and supports the integration of digital and operational services throughout the pilgrim’s journey,” Saudi Press Agency commented.
Multiple entries. One visa. Complete the required steps in the Nusuk app.#Coming_to_Umrah? pic.twitter.com/ZgFIMI8Md6
— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) July 20, 2026
The new visa replaces the need for repeated applications, offering greater convenience for Muslims wishing to perform Umrah more than once a year. Unlike Hajj, which takes place during specific dates in the Islamic calendar and is required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can generally be performed throughout the year.
The ministry said the visa cannot be used during the annual Hajj season. It will be inactive from the first day of Dhu Al-Qi’dah until the 13th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, in line with Saudi Arabia’s pilgrimage regulations.
To use the visa, pilgrims must purchase a service package for each visit through Nusuk, Saudi Arabia’s official digital platform for pilgrimage services. The package must be bought from an accredited provider and cannot exceed the number of days remaining on the visa. Nusuk enables international pilgrims to apply for Umrah visas, book accommodation, transport and other services without using intermediaries.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the visa will automatically deactivate when a traveller leaves Saudi Arabia and reactivate once all regulatory requirements are met for a subsequent visit.
The introduction of the new visa comes as Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in religious tourism as part of its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy beyond oil. The Kingdom has expanded digital services for pilgrims, streamlined visa procedures, and invested in infrastructure around the holy cities of Mecca and Medina to accommodate growing visitor numbers.
International Umrah arrivals continue to grow throughout the 1448 AH Umrah season. pic.twitter.com/aQqaUyohtB
— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) July 20, 2026
This year, Saudi Arabia has welcomed 931,500 pilgrims on Umrah visas, a 22.5% increase over the same period in 2025, with most international pilgrims arriving from Pakistan, Indonesia and Iraq.
The move also follows the rollout of Saudi Arabia’s Package Visa, introduced earlier this year, which bundles visas with accommodation, transport and pilgrimage-related services into a single booking process. The system aims to simplify travel arrangements while giving authorities greater oversight of pilgrimage services.
Officials hope the latest visa reform will encourage more repeat visits, improve the overall pilgrimage experience and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading destination for religious tourism.
