What happened?
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa that allows eligible pilgrims to visit the Kingdom several times within 365 days.
Who is affected?
International Muslim pilgrims, including UAE residents planning multiple Umrah trips throughout the year.
Why does it matter?
The new visa simplifies repeat travel for Umrah while strengthening Saudi Arabia’s digital pilgrimage system through the Nusuk platform.
Saudi Arabia has officially launched a one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, making it easier for pilgrims to perform Umrah more than once without applying for a new visa each time. The initiative was announced by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to improve the pilgrimage experience through digital services.
The new visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issue and allows multiple entries into Saudi Arabia, provided travellers meet the required conditions before every visit. The move is expected to benefit thousands of pilgrims from across the GCC, including many UAE residents who travel regularly for Umrah.
How does the new multiple-entry Umrah visa work?
Unlike the previous system, the new visa allows pilgrims to make several Umrah journeys during its one-year validity instead of applying for a separate visa for every trip.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the visa comes with a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days across all visits within the validity period.
However, each journey must still follow the Kingdom’s approved pilgrimage process.
Before travelling, pilgrims must:
- Purchase an approved service package through the Nusuk platform
- Obtain a valid Umrah permit through the Nusuk app
- Ensure the permit dates match the booked service package
- Meet all applicable travel and entry requirements
For every future visit, travellers must repeat the package booking and permit process before entering Saudi Arabia again.
The visa is temporarily suspended after every departure
Although the visa remains valid for one year, it is temporarily suspended each time a pilgrim leaves Saudi Arabia.
It is only reactivated after the traveller completes the required steps for their next Umrah visit, including purchasing a new approved package and securing another Umrah permit through Nusuk.
The Ministry says this process helps maintain accurate travel records while ensuring every visit complies with pilgrimage regulations.
Another important restriction is that the visa cannot be used during the annual Hajj season, specifically from 1 Dhul Qidah until 13 Dhul Hijjah.
The new visa supports Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation
The multiple-entry visa is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategy to modernise religious tourism under Vision 2030.
Over the past few years, the Kingdom has steadily expanded digital services for pilgrims by introducing online visa applications, electronic permits and integrated travel planning through the Nusuk platform.
Today, pilgrims can use Nusuk to:
- Book Umrah appointments
- Apply for permits
- Reserve accommodation and transport
- Purchase approved pilgrimage packages
- Access important travel information before arriving in Saudi Arabia
The Ministry says these improvements are designed to create a smoother and more organised pilgrimage experience while managing the millions of visitors who travel to the Kingdom every year.
What does this mean for UAE residents?
The announcement is particularly relevant for UAE residents, many of whom perform Umrah multiple times a year because of the short travel distance and frequent flights between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Instead of applying for a new visa before every journey, eligible travellers can now use the same one-year visa for repeat visits, provided they complete the required booking and permit process each time.
The change could also benefit:
- Families planning Umrah during school holidays
- Frequent pilgrims
- GCC residents making weekend or short religious trips
- UAE-based Umrah travel operators offering seasonal packages
While the visa reduces repeated visa applications, travellers should remember that an approved service package and a fresh Umrah permit remain mandatory for every visit.
New Umrah season already underway
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also confirmed the calendar for the 1448 AH Umrah season.
According to the official schedule:
- The Umrah season began on 31 May 2026
- Visa issuance will continue until 9 March 2027
- Pilgrims can enter Saudi Arabia until 23 March 2027
Authorities continue to encourage pilgrims to use official platforms and licensed service providers to avoid delays or booking issues.
Why It Matters?
For UAE residents, the new visa offers greater flexibility when planning Umrah throughout the year.
Key benefits include:
- Fewer visa applications for repeat visits
- More convenient travel planning with a one-year validity
- Simplified digital booking through Nusuk
- Greater flexibility for families and frequent pilgrims
However, travellers should note that each journey still requires an approved package and a valid Umrah permit before arrival.
FAQs
Can UAE residents apply for the new multiple-entry Umrah visa?
Yes. Eligible international pilgrims, including UAE residents, can apply through approved channels while meeting Saudi Arabia’s entry requirements.
How long is the new Umrah visa valid?
The visa is valid for 365 days from the date it is issued.
Can I perform Umrah several times on one visa?
Yes. The visa allows multiple entries during its validity period, provided all requirements are completed before every visit.
Do I still need an Umrah permit?
Yes. Every visit requires a valid Umrah permit issued through the Nusuk app that matches the approved service package.
Can I use this visa during Hajj?
No. The multiple-entry Umrah visa cannot be used during the Hajj season from 1 Dhul Qidah to 13 Dhul Hijjah.
Saudi Arabia’s new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa marks another step towards making religious travel more convenient through digital services. While pilgrims must still book approved packages and obtain permits before every journey, the new system offers far greater flexibility for those planning multiple Umrah visits throughout the year.
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.
Read More
