Saudi Arabia Revises Umrah Visa Rules to Improve Crowd Management

October 31, 2025 — Riyadh:
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced new amendments to Umrah visa regulations, aimed at improving crowd management and ensuring smoother services for pilgrims visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Under the new policy, Umrah visas will now expire 30 days after issuance if the holder does not enter Saudi Arabia within that time. Previously, the visa was valid for three months before entry. The new rule will officially take effect next week.

However, the ministry clarified that once a pilgrim arrives in the Kingdom, the permitted stay remains unchanged at three months.

Purpose Behind the Change

According to Ahmed Bajaeifer, adviser to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, the decision comes as Saudi Arabia braces for a sharp rise in pilgrim numbers following the cooler weather season. The measure will help prevent overcrowding and ensure better crowd flow management in Makkah and Madinah.

Record-Breaking Umrah Season

Since the start of the new Umrah season in June 2025, over four million Umrah visas have been issued to international pilgrims — marking a record high compared to previous years. Officials expect this momentum to continue as travel demand surges globally.

Expanded Eligibility for Pilgrims

In a related move, Saudi authorities recently expanded eligibility for performing Umrah to all visa categories, including tourist, family visit, transit, and work visas, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that this initiative reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to welcoming Muslims from around the world and allowing them to perform Umrah with comfort, safety, and peace of mind.