Digital Phablet

Tag: Umrah

  • Saudi Arabia grants one-year multiple-entry Umrah visas

    Saudi Arabia grants one-year multiple-entry Umrah visas

    Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah Ministry introduces a new multiple-entry visa for Umrah, valid for one year from the issue date. This visa permits pilgrims to enter the country multiple times, accumulating up to 90 days of stay during that period, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

    The initiative supports Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program by simplifying entry procedures, enhancing the overall pilgrim experience, and boosting service efficiency. To undertake each visit, pilgrims must purchase a service package through an authorized provider on the Nusuk platform. The package’s duration can’t extend beyond the remaining validity of the visa.

    Pilgrims are also required to secure an Umrah permit via the Nusuk app before arriving in the kingdom. The visa is deactivated after each departure and reactivated upon fulfilling the necessary regulatory requirements for subsequent visits. It won’t be valid during the Hajj season, starting from the first day of Zilqad until the 13th of Zilhajj.

    This new visa offers greater flexibility in planning visits and incorporates digital and operational services to streamline the pilgrim journey.

  • Saudi Arabia Updates Umrah Visa Regulations

    Saudi Arabia Updates Umrah Visa Regulations

    Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah Ministry has updated its regulations for issuing Umrah visas, according to sources cited by Al Arabiya. Going forward, if a pilgrim doesn’t enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of receiving their visa, it will be automatically canceled. The new policy is set to take effect next week, reducing the visa’s validity window from three months to just one month from the date it’s issued. However, the maximum duration of stay after entry remains unchanged at three months.

    Ahmed Bajaeifer, an advisor for the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, explained to Al Arabiya that these changes come as the ministry anticipates a surge in pilgrims after summer ends and temperatures in Makkah and Madinah drop. The goal is to better control crowd management and avoid overcrowding in the two holiest cities.

    This season is seeing unprecedented activity, with over four million Umrah visas issued to international visitors since the early June start of the season. Compared to previous years, this year is on track to set a record for international pilgrims in just five months.

    Last month, officials announced that all categories of visas—such as tourist, family, transit, work permits, and others—would now be eligible for performing Umrah during a visitor’s stay in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 initiative. This move aims to make it easier for Muslims from around the world to fulfill their religious duties comfortably and securely.

  • New Makkah Entry Guidelines Revealed for Hajj 2025

    New Makkah Entry Guidelines Revealed for Hajj 2025

    Pilgrims perform the farewell tawaf in the holy city of Makkah on July 11, 2022, signifying the conclusion of Hajj. — AFP

    The Saudi Ministry of Interior has released a new set of guidelines and procedures as part of the planning for Hajj 2025, focused on ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims throughout the sacred season.

    A notification issued on Sunday indicated that the last date for Umrah pilgrims to enter the Kingdom will be Sunday, April 13, 2025, with the final departure allowed on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

    Announcement by the Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia on April 13, 2025. —X/@MOISaudiArabia
    Announcement by the Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia on April 13, 2025. —X/@MOISaudiArabia

    The ministry cautioned that not returning by the specified date will be considered a violation of regulations.

    Starting Wednesday, April 23, 2025, access to the sacred city of Makkah will be tightly controlled. Those wishing to enter must present a valid work permit, a residency ID specific to Makkah, or an official Hajj permit.

    Foreign residents in different areas of the Kingdom will not be permitted entry to Makkah unless they possess the necessary permits. Anyone attempting to enter without the appropriate documentation will be redirected through Al Shumaisi or other checkpoints, according to the statement.

    Additionally, the ministry announced that the issuance of Umrah permits via the “Nusuk” platform will be paused from April 29 to June 10, 2025.

    Moreover, individuals holding any visa type other than an official Hajj visa will be prohibited from entering or remaining in Makkah starting April 29.

    The guidelines further suggest that foreign nationals needing to access Makkah or its surrounding holy sites for work must apply for travel permits through the designated portals.