For Muslims planning their pilgrimage, the latest announcement about the Umrah visa rules in Saudi Arabia introduces key changes. The validity of the visa has been reduced to only one month on the day it is issued, as opposed to the three months originally. This action is among the attempts of the Saudi authorities to control the pilgrim flows and make the process of the pilgrims visiting and performing Umrah less difficult.
What’s Changing?
The Umrah visa rules in Saudi Arabia now contain the following major adjustments: The visa will have a life span of a month since the day it is issued, unlike the three months it had before. Unless a pilgrim arrives in the Kingdom within that period of one month, the visa will automatically be cancelled.
The days of stay do not change: the pilgrims are given a maximum of three months to stay once they are in Saudi Arabia. The pre-entry validity is the only one that is affected by the new rule. Further guideline: the place of accommodation and transportation is now mandatory when you request the Umrah visa, as part of the bigger reformation.
The amendment is in response to the large number of pilgrims. As of early June 2025, authorities had already given more than four million Umrah visas to people since the season was reopened. The stricter regulation is meant to curb the congestion in Mecca and Medina, particularly during the colder seasons when pilgrims are present. According to the officials, improved crowd distribution and increased efficiency of the processes take first place.
What Pilgrims Should Know?
The main things to remember for future pilgrims under the new Code are: Apply early: Due to the reduced one-month validity, when you apply to get a visa, it has never been more important. Book hotel accommodation and licensed transport: Your visa request should contain a hotel reservation and a licensed transport reservation- registered in the Nusuk or Masar site.
- Check your date of entry: When the visa has been issued, you are given one month to enter the Kingdom. Don’t miss this window. Once you enter, you may remain up to three months, though late arrival will result in a loss of visa.
- Check visa status: You need to make sure that the visa is not automatically cancelled due to failure to enter within the given time.
- Package travel: In case you book via a travel operator, ensure that they are licensed to do so. Packages should be booked with licensed agents with a proper registration number.
Influence on Indian Pilgrims and UAE Residents
To the pilgrims of India and the UAE travellers, the practical implications are:
- Planning of travel must be more focused and less cumbersome – visa application, bookings, and flight schedule.
- Players in the UAE are advising customers to submit the Umrah visa application last after they have settled on the flights, accommodation and transport arrangements.
- Any wrong move in addressing the new requirements (say, not pre-booking a place to stay) might postpone the issuance of a visa or even result in its rejection.
Ahead of Your Pilgrimage
To go on pilgrimage under the new rules:
- Apply for your visa only after you have made sure that you have booked a hotel and a place to travel.
- Arrive in Saudi Arabia within a month of being provided the visa; arrange to arrive on the date.
- The official channels (Nusuk) – make your reservations in the system.
- Take care of the new regulations so that you can avoid losing your visa validity on time or administrative errors.
The new regulations represent a huge change in the way in which pilgrimages will be organised. The pre-entry period is reduced, and the booking conditions become more rigid. The goal of Saudi Arabia is to make the pilgrimage experience better and intensify logistics and security. To the intended applicants, adherence to these new regulations is a way of going smoothly and gaining spiritual satisfaction.
Also Read: UAE Golden Visa Return Permit Simplifies Return Process for Residents Abroad
