Saudi Arabia has introduced a one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, offering Muslim pilgrims greater flexibility to undertake the pilgrimage multiple times within a 12-month period. The initiative is part of the Kingdom's broader efforts to improve religious tourism and strengthen pilgrim services under its Vision 2030 programme.
Riyadh: The newly launched visa remains valid for 365 days from the date of issuance and allows travellers to enter Saudi Arabia multiple times. Pilgrims can stay in the country for a maximum cumulative period of 90 days during the visa's validity, making it easier for visitors to plan repeated religious journeys without applying for a new visa each time.
Authorities have clarified that travellers must purchase an approved service package through the Nusuk platform for every visit. In addition, pilgrims are required to obtain an Umrah permit via the Nusuk application before performing the pilgrimage. These digital requirements are aimed at ensuring a smooth and well-managed pilgrimage experience.
The visa cannot be used during the annual Hajj season, when separate pilgrimage regulations and visa requirements apply. Instead, it is designed to facilitate Umrah travel throughout the rest of the year while supporting better crowd management and visitor services.
The move is expected to benefit pilgrims from several countries, including India, by providing increased travel flexibility and reducing the need for repeated visa applications. It also aligns with Saudi Arabia's objective of welcoming more international visitors and expanding religious tourism as a key contributor to the country's economic diversification strategy.
The latest visa reform reflects Saudi Arabia's continued investment in digital services and streamlined entry procedures, making it more convenient for worshippers to undertake Umrah while enhancing the overall visitor experience.
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