Saudi Arabia Introduces One-Year Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa

Mobility of pilgrim movement
The new visa will allow pilgrims to enter the Kingdom multiple times within the 12-month validity period. That means people who want to do Umrah more than once in a year or combine it with business or family visits will not have to apply for a new visa each time.

The change will ease paperwork and make travel planning easier, especially for people from countries with large Muslim populations, officials said.

Travel agents and pilgrims alike have welcomed the announcement, saying it will make it easier for families and elderly travellers to plan trips.

Remain for up to 90 days
The visa is multiple entry but restricts the length of stay. Pilgrims can stay in the Kingdom for *up to 90 days* during the validity period of one year.

For example, this means a traveller could make three separate visits of 30 days, or six shorter visits, as long as the total time spent in the UK does not exceed 90 days.

The visa will permit Umrah entry to Makkah and Madinah, but not for Hajj, which will continue to be separately arranged for the annual pilgrimage.

Aligned with Vision 2030  
The new visas are part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to boost religious tourism and improve services for pilgrims.

Authorities said the aim is to boost visitors each year, while also improving infrastructure, transport and hospitality services around the holy sites.

Making Umrah easy is our priority. “This visa will give more freedom to pilgrims and a hassle-free experience,” said an official statement.

Travel experts say the move will boost tourism and the local economy, with repeat visitors tending to spend longer exploring other cities in Saudi Arabia.

The one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa applications are expected to be opened soon through the authorised outlets and online portals.