Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam and home to its holiest cities — Mecca and Medina — stands at the heart of the Muslim world. Each year, millions undertake the Hajj pilgrimage, while countless others perform Umrah, a spiritual journey open year-round. To better manage this steady influx of pilgrims, the Kingdom has now introduced a key change to its visa policy. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reduced the validity of the Umrah entry visa from three months to one month from the date of issuance. The revised rule will take effect from next week, as part of a broader effort to streamline pilgrim arrivals and prevent overcrowding in Mecca and Medina.
The decision comes amid one of the busiest Umrah seasons in recent time. Since the season began in early June 2025, more than 40 lakh Umrah visas have been issued — setting a record in just five months. Officials expect the numbers to rise even further as temperatures cool, and travel conditions improve.
Under the amended rules, an Umrah visa will be automatically cancelled 30 days after issuance if the holder does not register to enter the Kingdom within that time. The ministry says the move will ensure better coordination of arrivals and avoid administrative congestion at ports of entry.
Adding to the record figures, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques reported in October that over one crore Umrah performers visited Saudi Arabia during the Hijri month of Rabi al-Thani. Of these, 10.5 lakh pilgrims were international visitors to Makkah.
Authorities also highlighted improved efficiency in the performance of Umrah rituals, crediting advancements in infrastructure, organisation, and technology. According to the report, the average time for a pilgrim to complete Umrah was just 116 minutes — including 42 minutes for Tawaf (circumambulation), 46 minutes for Sa’i (between Safa and Marwah), and less than half an hour for movement between the ritual sites.
Ahmed Bajaeifer, adviser to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, told Al Arabiya that the new visa rule reflects current conditions and is meant to prevent overcrowding and streamline pilgrim arrivals.
While Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be performed at least once in a lifetime by a Muslim, Umrah is voluntary and can be undertaken at any time of the year. It involves performing a series of sacred rites in Mecca, including the Tawaf and Sa’i, but unlike Hajj, it does not have specific dates in the Islamic calendar.
For many Muslims, Umrah represents a quieter, more personal form of spiritual renewal, allowing them to visit the holy sites without the scale and logistics of the annual Hajj season.
India is among the largest sources of Umrah pilgrims each year, and the updated visa policy is likely to affect travel timelines and planning. With the new one-month validity from the date of issuance, pilgrims will need to finalise their travel schedules promptly to avoid visa cancellations. However, the three-month stay period after arrival remains unchanged, allowing ample time for religious activities and travel within the Kingdom.
For Indian visitors, who often combine Umrah with visits to family or business trips, the policy underscores the importance of advance planning and early registration.
(With inputs from various sources)
1. What is the new Umrah visa validity period?
The Umrah entry visa is now valid for one month from the date of issuance, instead of the previous three months.
2. When does the new Umrah visa rule take effect?
The new validity rule will take effect next week, as confirmed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
3. Why did Saudi Arabia reduce the Umrah visa duration?
The decision aims to better manage pilgrim arrivals, prevent overcrowding, and streamline administrative operations at entry points.
4. What happens if a traveller doesn’t enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of visa issuance?
If the traveller doesn’t register entry within that time, the Umrah visa will be automatically cancelled.
5. How many people performed Umrah this year?
Over one crore Umrah performers visited Saudi Arabia during the Hijri month of Rabi al-Thani alone, with 10.5 lakh international pilgrims arriving in Mecca.