Those planning a trip to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, or those intending to perform Umrah more than once a year, need to familiarize themselves with an important update. Saudi Arabia has made changes to the rules for obtaining a 'multiple-entry Umrah visa.'
Having a valid annual visa is no longer sufficient for re-entry for Umrah. Pilgrims will have to go through specific procedures before each individual trip.
Umrah Visa Rules in Saudi Arabia
According to information provided by Gulf News, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has issued a new decree. Now, all pilgrims traveling for Umrah are obliged to book an Umrah package through a certified service provider on the Nusuk platform. This package must correspond to the dates of the planned trip.
Furthermore, using the Nusuk application to obtain a new Umrah permit has become mandatory. This permit must be obtained through the Nusuk app before entering Saudi Arabia, and its dates must match the dates of the booked service package. Thus, simply having a valid Umrah visa no longer allows for repeat trips to Saudi Arabia for Umrah; a service package and a new permit must be processed before each trip.
The multiple-entry visa, introduced in July, will be valid for 365 days from the date of issuance. During this period, travelers can visit Saudi Arabia multiple times, but the requirement to obtain a service package and a permit before each trip remains in effect.
Passengers applying for the first time must first purchase an authorized service package on the Nusuk platform. Following this, they must apply for the visa and undergo necessary checks and formalities. Compliance with all Saudi Arabia entry and travel regulations is also mandatory.
Despite the annual validity of the visa, the total duration of stay in Saudi Arabia across all trips must not exceed 90 days.
Reasons for the Changes
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah explains that this system will allow for better management of accommodation, travel, and other services for pilgrims. Therefore, if you plan to perform Umrah more than once a year, do not forget to process a new Umrah service package and permit before each trip.