Saudi Arabia is set to shorten the validity period of Umrah visas from three months to one month in an effort to better manage the growing number of pilgrims, according to a report by Al Arabiya.net.
Citing official sources, the Saudi news outlet said the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will soon implement the change, reducing the visa’s validity to 30 days from the date of issuance. The new regulation is expected to take effect next week.
Since the start of the new Umrah season in early June, more than four million Umrah visas have been issued to international pilgrims — a record number in less than five months.
Under the revised rules, a visa will be automatically cancelled 30 days after issuance if the holder does not enter the Kingdom within that period. However, the change will not affect the allowed duration of stay for those who arrive in Saudi Arabia, as pilgrims will still be permitted to remain in the country for up to three months.
The decision aims to prevent overcrowding in the holy cities of Makkah and Medina during the cooler months, said Ahmed Bajafar, advisor to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit.
While Umrah rituals are performed exclusively in Makkah, many pilgrims also visit Medina to offer prayers at the Prophet Muhammad’s mosque.
Earlier in October, Saudi Arabia also tightened Umrah procedures, requiring advance booking of accommodation and verification of transportation arrangements on the Nusuk or Masar platforms upon arrival.
The Kingdom has reiterated that visitors holding any type of visa are eligible to perform Umrah during their stay.
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