Saudi Arabia Issues Major Umrah Visa Update — What Pilgrims Need to Know
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has issued an important clarification for pilgrims holding a one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, making it clear that having the visa does not automatically allow pilgrims to perform Umrah repeatedly without completing the required procedures for each new trip.
Saudi Arabia introduced the 365-day multiple-entry Umrah visa in July for eligible pilgrims. The visa allows holders to enter the Kingdom several times during its validity period, providing greater flexibility for those who wish to visit Saudi Arabia more than once during the year.
However, Saudi authorities have now clarified that pilgrims must complete the necessary requirements before undertaking Umrah again.
Under the updated arrangement, pilgrims holding the multiple-entry visa must obtain a new service package before each new Umrah trip. Once the required package has been obtained, an Umrah permit will be issued.
This means that although the visa remains valid for one year and permits multiple entries into Saudi Arabia, it does not provide automatic permission to perform Umrah on every visit. Pilgrims planning another Umrah must complete the required process again before their next trip.
The clarification is intended to ensure that visitors understand the requirements associated with repeated Umrah visits and avoid difficulties during their travel or while performing religious rituals.
Saudi Arabia Issues Guidelines to Help Pilgrims Avoid Crowds
Alongside the visa clarification, Saudi authorities have also issued guidance for Umrah pilgrims visiting Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, encouraging them to plan their Tawaf, Sa’i and other acts of worship during less crowded periods.
According to the guidance, crowd levels at the Grand Mosque vary significantly throughout the day. Pilgrims have therefore been advised to plan ahead and select suitable times to make movement through the Mataf and Mas’a areas easier and more comfortable.
Authorities have indicated that crowd levels are generally lower between 10pm and 4am, as well as between 9am and 4pm. Moderate crowds are expected from 5am to 8am, while the busiest period is generally between 5pm and 9pm.
Pilgrims have been encouraged to use available digital services to monitor crowd conditions and plan their religious activities accordingly. Choosing less crowded periods can help reduce congestion and allow worshippers to perform their rituals in a more orderly and comfortable environment.
The guidance comes as the number of Umrah pilgrims continues to increase. According to reported figures, approximately 920,500 Umrah pilgrims visited Saudi Arabia during the first month and a half of the current Umrah season. Data released previously also showed a 22.5 percent increase in the number of visitors entering the Kingdom on Umrah visas.
With growing numbers of pilgrims visiting Makkah, Saudi authorities are placing greater emphasis on advance planning, crowd management and the use of digital services.
For holders of the one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, the key point remains clear: the visa allows multiple entries during its validity period, but a fresh service package and Umrah permit are required for each new Umrah trip.
Pilgrims are therefore advised to complete all necessary procedures before every visit and plan their religious activities according to crowd conditions to ensure a smoother and more comfortable experience.
