Saudi Arabia has introduced a new Umrah visa policy, reducing the entry period for pilgrims from three months  to one month, Arab media reported on Friday.  The change is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to streamline visa procedures and regulate the influx of Umrah pilgrims more  efficiently. According to reports, the new visa policy may come into effect next week, pending formal implementation by Saudi authorities.

Under the revised policy, pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia within one month of the Umrah visa being issued. Failure to do so will result in automatic cancellation of the visa, Arab media said. Previously, Umrah pilgrims had a three-month window to enter the Kingdom after receiving their visa, providing greater flexibility for travel planning. The updated policy aims to improve coordination and management of pilgrimage arrivals, particularly during peak seasons.

While the entry period has been shortened, the duration of stay inside Saudi Arabia remains the same. Pilgrims will still be allowed to stay for up to three months after entering the country, ensuring they have sufficient time to perform Umrah and visit the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah. Officials have not yet released an official statement on the exact start date, but sources suggest the new Umrah visa rules will be implemented next week. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)