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Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced a major policy update with the launch of a new multiple-entry Umrah visa. Designed to streamline religious travel and enhance accessibility for international pilgrims, the initiative forms a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program.
Key Features of the Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa
- 1-Year Validity: The visa remains valid for 365 days from the date of issuance, allowing pilgrims to enter and exit Saudi Arabia multiple times.
- Cumulative 90-Day Stay: Pilgrims can stay in the Kingdom for up to 90 total days across all visits within the 12-month window.
- No Re-Application Needed: Travelers do not need to submit a new visa application or re-submit documentation for subsequent trips during the 1-year validity period.
- Hajj Season Blackout: The visa cannot be used to perform or enter Saudi Arabia during the annual Hajj season (from 1st Dhu Al-Qi’dah to 13th Dhu Al-Hijjah) to ensure crowd management for the main pilgrimage.
Key Benefits for International Travelers
- Reduced Administrative Friction: Eliminates repeated application fees and visa processing delays for frequent visitors.
- Flexible Travel Planning: Allows families and working professionals to align short, repeat spiritual trips around personal or work schedules.
- Regional Integration: Enables pilgrims to combine Umrah visits with leisure, business, or family travel across the Kingdom.
Eligibility and How to Apply
The visa is available to Muslim pilgrims globally, with strong expected uptake from major pilgrim-origin countries, including India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.
Application Requirements:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.
- Compliance with standard Saudi immigration and security entry requirements.
- Submission through official government-approved platforms (such as the Nusuk platform or authorized visa portals).