Saudi Arabia's New Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa Makes Repeat Pilgrimages Easier

For millions of Muslims around the world, performing Umrah is a deeply personal spiritual journey that is often repeated over a lifetime. Saudi Arabia is now making those repeat visits significantly easier. In a move aimed at improving the pilgrimage experience and streamlining travel, the Kingdom has introduced a new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, allowing eligible pilgrims to undertake the pilgrimage several times within a 12-month period without applying for a fresh visa for every visit.

The announcement by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah forms part of Saudi Arabia's wider Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to enhance religious tourism through better digital services, smoother visitor experiences and more efficient travel processes. With Umrah continuing to attract growing numbers of international pilgrims each year, the new visa is expected to offer greater flexibility for those wishing to return to the holy cities more than once.

How The Visa Works

The new visa remains valid for 365 days from the date of issue and permits multiple entries into Saudi Arabia during that period. Pilgrims can stay in the Kingdom for a cumulative total of up to 90 days across all their visits within the year. Unlike the previous single-entry Umrah visa, travellers no longer need to begin the entire visa application process before every pilgrimage, provided they continue to meet the prescribed requirements.

However, each journey must still be planned through Saudi Arabia's official Nusuk platform. Before every visit, pilgrims are required to purchase an approved Umrah service package through an authorised provider. These packages can include visa processing, accommodation, transport, insurance, and other pilgrimage-related services, depending on the category selected. Travellers must also obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before arriving in the Kingdom.

The visa automatically becomes inactive once a pilgrim departs Saudi Arabia. It can be reactivated for subsequent visits after the traveller completes the necessary formalities and fulfils the latest regulatory requirements through the Nusuk platform. Authorities have also clarified that the visa will remain inactive during the annual Hajj season, ensuring it cannot be used as an alternative route for those intending to perform Hajj.

Digital Pilgrimage Journey

The rollout further strengthens Nusuk's role as Saudi Arabia's central digital platform for religious travel. Introduced as a one-stop portal for pilgrims, Nusuk allows users to apply for visas, book accommodation, arrange transportation, reserve flights and secure permits required for Umrah, all through a single platform.

The new visa reflects Saudi Arabia's continued push towards digitising the pilgrimage experience. Instead of navigating multiple agencies and paperwork for every visit, eligible pilgrims can now rely on a streamlined system that combines travel planning, documentation and service bookings in one place.

Although the visa offers greater convenience, entry requirements remain structured. Applicants must hold a passport valid for at least six months, provide recent passport-sized photographs and complete the necessary documentation based on their country of residence. Travellers must also have confirmed accommodation and onward or return travel arrangements before departure.

For those booking through Nusuk, service packages are available across different price points, ranging from standard to premium and luxury offerings. Costs vary according to accommodation category, transport options and additional services included by authorised providers.

Growing Umrah Demand

The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia records strong growth in Umrah travel. According to figures reported by the Saudi Press Agency, the Kingdom has already welcomed around 931,500 pilgrims travelling on Umrah visas in 2026, representing a 22.5 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Among the largest groups of international pilgrims are visitors from Pakistan, Indonesia and Iraq, reflecting the sustained demand for year-round religious travel.

Unlike Hajj, which is compulsory once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able and takes place during specific dates in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed throughout most of the year. The rituals are shorter and can usually be completed within a day, making repeat visits more practical for many travellers.

By introducing a multiple-entry Umrah visa, Saudi Arabia is responding to changing travel patterns while making repeat pilgrimages more accessible. The initiative also supports the Kingdom's broader ambition to welcome more international visitors under Vision 2030, combining faith-based travel with increasingly digital, efficient and flexible visitor services. As global interest in religious tourism continues to grow, the new visa is set to make planning future Umrah journeys considerably more straightforward for eligible pilgrims.

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