Saudi Arabia Sets A New Standard For Pilgrim Management With One-Month Umrah Visa Validity In A Bid To Enhance Spiritual Journey

Saudi Arabia has implemented a new policy reducing the validity of Umrah visas to 30 days, aimed at enhancing the management of pilgrim arrivals. With the Kingdom experiencing a record number of Umrah travelers, this adjustment is designed to streamline the entry process, reduce overcrowding, and improve the overall experience for pilgrims. The change will ensure a more organized and efficient flow of visitors, particularly during peak seasons when Mecca and Medina see the highest influx of worshippers.

In a significant update to its visa policy, Saudi Arabia has reduced the validity of the Umrah entry visa from 90 days to 30 days. This change is designed to streamline the influx of pilgrims during one of the busiest Umrah seasons the Kingdom has experienced in recent years.

Saudi Arabia, home to the two holiest cities in Islam—Mecca and Medina—holds a central role in the Muslim world. Every year, millions travel to these cities to perform Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. However, Umrah, a lesser pilgrimage, can be undertaken at any time throughout the year. To ensure better management of the millions of people who visit for Umrah, the government has made a crucial adjustment to its visa policy. As part of the update, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reduced the validity of the Umrah visa from 90 days to just 30 days from the date of issuance. This policy change will be implemented starting next week and is expected to enhance the flow of pilgrims and reduce congestion in the holy cities.

The policy shift comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is witnessing a record-breaking Umrah season. Since June 2025, the Kingdom has issued over 4 million Umrah visas in just five months, with expectations for even higher numbers as the weather cools and travel conditions improve. The introduction of the new visa validity aims to alleviate the administrative burden that comes with the increasing number of visitors while preventing overcrowding at Mecca and Medina.

Under the updated guidelines, an Umrah visa will be automatically cancelled if the holder fails to register to enter the Kingdom within 30 days of issuance. This measure is intended to ensure better coordination of arrivals and avoid delays at airports and other entry points. This change is expected to help officials manage the influx of pilgrims more efficiently and create a smoother experience for all visitors.

In line with this, Saudi authorities also reported a significant surge in the number of Umrah performers during the month of Rabi al-Thani. By October 2025, over 10 million pilgrims had visited Saudi Arabia for Umrah during this period, with approximately 1.05 million international visitors performing the pilgrimage in Mecca. The Kingdom has attributed much of this success to improvements in infrastructure, organization, and technology that have significantly reduced wait times and improved the overall pilgrimage experience. For instance, the average time it takes to complete the Umrah rites, including the Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) and Sa’i (the walk between Safa and Marwah), was reduced to just 116 minutes. This has made the pilgrimage more efficient and allowed more people to complete their religious duties with ease.

Experts, including Ahmed Bajaeifer, an advisor to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, have stated that the policy revision reflects the current realities of the pilgrimage season. According to Bajaeifer, the goal is to prevent overcrowding, ensuring that pilgrims have a safe and fulfilling experience. With the new rules in place, the Kingdom is better equipped to handle the growing number of Umrah travelers while maintaining the sanctity and serenity of the holy sites.

What is Umrah, and How Does It Differ From Hajj?

While Hajj is obligatory for Muslims and must be performed at least once in a lifetime, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time during the year. Both pilgrimages involve the performance of rituals in Mecca, including Tawaf and Sa’i, but Hajj is tied to specific dates in the Islamic calendar, while Umrah can be performed at any time. For many Muslims, Umrah offers a more personal and tranquil experience compared to the larger and more crowded Hajj pilgrimage, as it provides an opportunity for spiritual renewal without the logistical complexities of the annual event.

Impact of the New Visa Policy on Indian Pilgrims

India is one of the largest sources of Umrah pilgrims each year, and the new visa regulations are expected to have a significant impact on travel plans. With the new 30-day validity, Indian pilgrims will need to carefully plan their schedules to ensure they register their entry to Saudi Arabia within the designated time frame. However, the three-month stay period after arrival remains unchanged, giving pilgrims enough time to perform their religious rites and even travel around the Kingdom if desired.

Many Indian visitors combine their Umrah journey with family visits or business trips. As such, the updated visa policy underscores the importance of early planning and swift registration for those intending to travel. Pilgrims are advised to finalize their travel arrangements well in advance to avoid the risk of their visa being canceled due to delays in registration.

The change in visa rules is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to improve the management of the large number of Umrah pilgrims while maintaining the quality of the spiritual experience. With a growing number of people choosing to visit Mecca and Medina, the Kingdom is working to ensure that the pilgrimage remains safe, efficient, and spiritually rewarding for all who participate.

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