The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has announced a new multiple‑entry visa for Umrah pilgrims.
The visa, valid for 365 days from issuance, allows pilgrims to enter the holy cities multiple times within a year, with a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days.
Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said the initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program’s objectives of streamlining arrivals, enhancing the pilgrim experience, and improving service efficiency.
To obtain the visa, pilgrims must purchase an Umrah package from an approved provider via the Nusuk Umrah platform for each visit. Nusuk serves as the Kingdom’s digital one‑stop shop that handles visa issuance, accommodation, transportation, and flight arrangements.
The package’s duration must not exceed the remaining validity of the visa, and travelers must obtain an Umrah permit through Nusuk prior to arrival in Saudi Arabia.
The ministry stated that the visa improves planning flexibility and integrates digital and operational services throughout the pilgrim’s journey, SPA added.
After completing a pilgrimage and departing, the visa becomes inactive. It can be reactivated for subsequent visits once the pilgrim satisfies the required conditions, and it remains inactive during the annual Hajj season.
In 2026, Saudi Arabia has welcomed 931,500 Umrah visa holders, a 22.5% increase over the same period in 2025, with the largest groups coming from Pakistan, Indonesia and Iraq.
What is the difference between Umrah and Hajj?
Unlike Hajj, which is performed only during the Islamic month of Dhul‑Hijjah each year, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time throughout the year, often described as the “lesser” or “minor” Hajj.
Conversely, Hajj is a mandatory pilgrimage that every Muslim who is financially and physically capable must perform at least once in a lifetime. Its core rites span approximately five to six days, whereas Umrah can usually be completed within a few hours in a single day.
In 2025, Saudi Arabia accommodated more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims for Hajj alone, who entered the country through various ports, according to data released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). When domestic pilgrims are included, the total exceeded 1.6 million.