Saudi Arabia has announced a significant change to its Umrah visa rules ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage season. According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Umrah visa will now remain valid for a period of three months (90 days) from the date of issuance. This adjustment marks a departure from the previous system where the validity period began upon entry into the country.

Under the previous regulations, Umrah pilgrims had a three-month time to complete their pilgrimage, starting from the moment they arrived in Saudi Arabia. However, the new rule begins 90 day validity of the visa from the day it is issued.

It is important to note that the Umrah visa is distinct from the regular tourist visa issued by Saudi Arabia. While the tourist visa permits multiple entries and is valid for 90 days, the Umrah visa is a single-entry visa specifically for pilgrimage purposes, also to be used for within 90 days of issue. Changes to visa rules are made in co-ordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and are designed to simplify Hajj preparations. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that the final date for Umrah visas will be Dhul Qadah 15 (corresponding to May 15).

What are the new Umrah Visa Rules

• Umra visa is valid for 3 months from Date of Issue. You can enter from any point in Saudi and by any mode of transport. You can get it issued online or via an agent who can get it issued for you online. Umrah visa fee is 300 Saudi Riyals +100 Saudi riyal insurance fee.
• The Last Date to Leave Saudi after Umrah is 15th of Dhū al-Qaʿdah, which is 25 days before Hajj.
• If one buys a Saudi Airlines or FlyNas Air Tickets to travel to Saudi, the Airlines provide a 96hrs Free Visa.
• Being Muslim, one can perform Umrah on any kind of Visa, be it a Business Visa, Visit Visa or Tourist Visa.
• Cost of each Visa is SR 300.
• A Muslim Passport Holder of any country having Schengen Visa or US Visa stamped on their Passport, and having used it once...can get a One Tourist Visa on Arrival on payment of 400 Saudi Riyal.
• With the earlier Umrah Visa, the maximum stay period was restricted to 38 days and had to be used within 90 days from date of issuance. Now the period has been extended to 90 days from Visa Issuance, upto the maximum of 90 days from Issue date, but needs exit before 15th day of Dhū al-Qaʿdah, which is 25 days before Hajj.
• First the Visas used to be issued by the Embassy through Agents. Now can be applied and issued Online Directly.
• Earlier, the last date of Issue of Umrah Visa was 15th of Ramzaan, however, now it can be issued till the end of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
• Now Mehram is not compulsory for women travelling without their husbands.

Despite the extension of the visa validity, visitors are reminded that the Umrah visa is strictly for pilgrimage purposes and does not authorize any form of employment or unrelated activities while in the country. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasizes the importance of adhering to the new visa regulations and leaving the country before the visa expiration date.

Furthermore, it is crucial to understand that the Umrah visa does not grant permission to perform Hajj rituals. Those intending to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage must obtain a separate Saudi Hajj visa. The deadline for the issuance of Hajj 2024 visas is set for April 29, 2024, underscoring the importance of timely application for prospective pilgrims.