Saudi Arabia Unveils New One-Year Multiple-Entry Visa for Umrah Pilgrims

In a significant move to modernize its tourism and religious travel sectors, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially introduced a groundbreaking multiple-entry visa designed specifically for Umrah pilgrims. Starting in 2026, this new initiative allows international visitors to enjoy a more flexible and extended spiritual journey within the Kingdom. The visa is part of a broader strategy to welcome millions of travelers and streamline their entry into the country under the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 framework.

Enhanced Flexibility for Modern Pilgrims

The new visa policy marks a significant departure from traditional single-entry permits, offering a validity period of 365 days from the date it is issued. This change provides global travelers with the freedom to plan their spiritual visits with much greater autonomy. Under the new regulations, beneficiaries can enter and exit the Kingdom multiple times throughout the year, provided that their cumulative stay does not exceed 90 days.

Key features of this updated visa system include:

• A full year of validity, allowing for multiple visits across different seasons.
• A total allowable stay of up to 90 days within the validity period.
• Streamlined reactivation of the visa status upon each subsequent entry into the country.
• Integration with digital services to ensure a seamless experience from arrival to departure.

Simplified Digital Integration via Nusuk

To support this new visa category, Saudi Arabia is leveraging its advanced digital infrastructure. Every visitor wishing to utilize the multiple-entry visa must coordinate their travel through the Nusuk platform. This centralized system requires pilgrims to purchase a service package from an approved provider before their arrival. The duration of these service packages must align with the remaining days available on the traveler's visa to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Furthermore, the issuance of a specific Umrah permit via the Nusuk application remains a mandatory step. This permit must be secured prior to arriving in the Kingdom, ensuring that the flow of visitors is managed efficiently and that everyone has access to the necessary services and facilities at the holy sites. The ministry has emphasized that these digital tools are essential for enriching the pilgrim experience and improving the overall quality of hospitality services.

Seasonal Considerations and Regulatory Compliance

While the new visa offers year-round flexibility, there are important seasonal guidelines to keep in mind. The ministry has clarified that the visa will not be active during the peak Hajj season. Specifically, the visa functionality is paused from the first of Dhu Al-Qi’dah to the 13th of Dhu Al-Hijjah. This measure is intended to prioritize the logistics and safety of those participating in the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Upon each departure from Saudi Arabia, the visa status is temporarily deactivated and is only reactivated once the traveler meets the regulatory requirements for their next visit. This systematic approach ensures that every visitor is properly documented and supported by an authorized service provider, maintaining the high standards of safety and organization that the Kingdom is known for.

By launching this one-year multiple-entry visa in 2026, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate its commitment to the Pilgrim Experience Program. The initiative not only facilitates easier access for those wishing to perform Umrah but also encourages visitors to explore the cultural and historical richness of the Kingdom beyond its religious landmarks, further establishing Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for global tourism.