Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced a significant update to its pilgrimage regulations, introducing a multiple-entry Umrah visa. This new visa, valid for 365 days from its date of issue, grants pilgrims the flexibility to enter the Kingdom multiple times throughout the year, with a total cumulative stay not exceeding 90 days.
Enhancing the Pilgrim Experience
This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 agenda and the Pilgrim Experience Program, both designed to streamline the arrival process, improve overall services, and enrich the spiritual journey for visitors. The move is expected to offer greater convenience for those wishing to perform Umrah more than once annually, eliminating the need to apply for a new visa for each visit.
Key Requirements and Conditions
- Service Package: For each visit, pilgrims must purchase a service package from an approved provider via the official Nusuk platform. The duration of this package cannot exceed the remaining validity of the visa.
- Umrah Permit: A valid Umrah permit must be secured through the Nusuk application prior to arriving in Saudi Arabia for every entry.
- Activation/Deactivation: The visa automatically deactivates upon a pilgrim's departure from the Kingdom and reactivates once all conditions for a subsequent visit are met.
Hajj Season Restriction
It is crucial for pilgrims to note that the multiple-entry Umrah visa will not be valid during the annual Hajj season. This period typically spans from the first day of Dhu Al Qadah through the 13th day of Dhu Al Hijjah. During these dates, the visa will remain inactive, irrespective of other fulfilled conditions.
Flexibility for Global Pilgrims
The new framework offers unprecedented flexibility, allowing pilgrims to plan their Umrah trips with greater ease and integrate multiple visits into their schedules. This development underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to leveraging digital services to create a more efficient and accessible pilgrimage experience for Muslims worldwide.