Saudi Arabia Changes Umrah Visa Duration 2025 – New One-Month Validity Rule Explained

🕒 Published: November 1, 2025 by Muqaddas Tahreem

The Saudi Arabia Changes Umrah Visa Duration 2025 announcement has brought a major update for millions of pilgrims worldwide. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially confirmed that the validity of the Umrah visa will now be reduced from three months to one month from the date of issuance.

This new rule, reported by Al Arabiya.net, will take effect next week. Under the new policy, pilgrims must enter the Kingdom within 30 days of visa approval, though they can still stay for up to three months after arrival. The decision marks a key step in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, ensuring smoother crowd management, better travel coordination, and enhanced safety for all visitors performing Umrah.

This change is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to enhance the pilgrimage experience under Vision 2030, focusing on efficiency, crowd control, and the safety of millions of visitors who arrive annually in Makkah and Madinah.

Key Highlights of the New Umrah Visa Rule

According to the latest notification, the Umrah visa will expire 30 days after it is issued if the pilgrim does not enter Saudi Arabia within that period. Once inside the Kingdom, the duration of stay remains unchanged at up to three months (90 days), allowing pilgrims enough time to perform Umrah and visit holy sites.

This update means that pilgrims must plan their travel more carefully, ensuring they arrive in Saudi Arabia before the visa expires.

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Purpose of Reducing Umrah Visa Validity

Officials state that this change aims to prevent overcrowding during peak months—particularly between Rabi-ul-Awwal and Ramadan—when millions of pilgrims perform Umrah.

According to Ahmed Bajafar, adviser to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, the decision will help authorities regulate the flow of visitors and ensure that travel agencies only process visas for those ready to travel.

Benefits of the New Policy

• Helps manage crowd density in Makkah and Madinah.
• Reduces the number of unused or expired visas.
• Ensures better coordination between airlines and Umrah operators.
• Improves security and health monitoring.
• Enhances the overall pilgrim experience through better organization.

Impact on Pakistani and International Pilgrims

For Pakistani, Indian, Indonesian, Bangladeshi, and Egyptian pilgrims, this policy means they must finalize bookings immediately after visa approval. Many group travelers typically delay trips due to family schedules or flight availability, but now they must ensure entry within 30 days of issuance.

Travel experts advise Pakistani pilgrims to work with authorized agents who understand the new regulations. Failing to enter within one month will invalidate the visa automatically, and reapplication may incur additional fees.

Umrah Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

The Umrah visa process remains the same, but with tighter timelines. Pilgrims must apply only when they are fully ready to travel.

Step 1 – Select an Authorized Umrah Operator

Choose a licensed Umrah agent in your home country who is registered with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Step 2 – Prepare Documents

Submit the following:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Recent passport-size photo
• COVID-19 and meningitis vaccination certificates
• National ID copy (for Pakistani applicants)

Step 3 – Book Accommodation & Transport

Make advance bookings through the official Nusuk or Masar platforms. Booking confirmation numbers are required for visa processing.

Step 4 – Apply for the Visa

The travel operator applies online through the Saudi e-Visa portal. Once approved, the e-Visa is emailed directly.

Step 5 – Enter Saudi Arabia Within 30 Days

Travel must begin within one month of visa issuance. Entry after expiry is not allowed.

Step 6 – Stay Up to 90 Days

After entry, pilgrims may remain in the Kingdom for up to three months to perform Umrah, visit Madinah, and travel between holy sites.

Digital Platforms for Umrah Management

Saudi Arabia is increasingly digitalizing pilgrimage procedures. Two key platforms—Nusuk and Masar—handle accommodation, transport, and Umrah permit verification.

• Nusuk.sa – official site for visa, hotel, and transport bookings.
• Masar.sa – handles group travel, operator registration, and compliance.

These systems ensure pilgrims have verified bookings, reducing the chances of fraud and mismanagement. Every pilgrim’s information is linked with Saudi immigration databases for real-time monitoring.

Other Important Umrah Rules for 2025

Along with the new visa validity period, several other Umrah-related rules apply:

1. All Visa Holders Can Perform Umrah
   Visitors on tourism, family, or business visas can perform Umrah during their stay.
2. Accommodation and Transport Must Be Verified
   Authorities confirm bookings upon arrival; incomplete records may delay entry.
3. Digital Health Registration Required
   Pilgrims must register on the Tawakkalna app for health status and alerts.
4. Mandatory Insurance Coverage
   Health insurance covering medical emergencies is now compulsory.
5. Vaccination Requirements
   Proof of meningitis and COVID-19 vaccines must be presented at departure.

Effect on Umrah Operators and Travel Agencies

Umrah operators will need to revise their internal processes. They can no longer issue visas months before planned travel. Instead, they must confirm airline tickets, hotel bookings, and ground transport before applying for a visa.

Travel agencies that fail to adapt may face penalties or suspension from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj. Pakistani agents are being instructed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs to strictly follow the 30-day rule to prevent inconvenience for pilgrims.

Vision 2030 and Modernization of Umrah Services

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to transform the country into a global destination for spiritual tourism. The new Umrah visa policy supports this by focusing on digitalization, safety, and efficiency.

Key Vision 2030 goals include:

• Accommodating 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030.
• Expanding the Grand Mosque to host 2.5 million worshippers.
• Building high-speed transport links between Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah.
• Promoting eco-friendly transport systems for pilgrims.
• Offering seamless online visa, hotel, and transport booking experiences.

Health & Safety Guidelines for Pilgrims

To maintain the well-being of millions of visitors, Saudi Arabia enforces strict health protocols:

• Mandatory Vaccinations – Meningitis and COVID-19.
• Medical Fitness Certificate for elderly or high-risk travelers.
• Insurance Policy covering hospitalization and emergencies.
• Avoid overcrowding during Tawaf and Sa’i; follow staff guidance.
• 24-hour medical facilities are available near Haram areas.

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Conclusion – Saudi Arabia Changes Umrah Visa Duration 2025

The announcement that Saudi Arabia Changes Umrah Visa Duration 2025 represents a crucial reform in managing global pilgrim flow. By reducing visa validity to one month, Saudi Arabia seeks to enhance organization, prevent overcrowding, and provide a smoother experience for millions of worshippers.

For pilgrims—especially from Pakistan—this means better planning, prompt travel, and cooperation with authorized agents. The three-month stay duration ensures ample time for spiritual devotion once inside the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia’s modernization drive under Vision 2030 continues to make the pilgrimage journey more comfortable, safe, and technologically advanced.