Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially launched a new 1-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, offering international pilgrims unprecedented flexibility when planning their spiritual journeys to the Kingdom.
Designed to streamline entry and enhance the overall pilgrim experience, this initiative aligns directly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to modernize digital travel services and welcome more visitors to the holy cities.
Key Features of the 1-Year Umrah Visa
The new visa framework introduces several key rules regarding validity, stay limits, and seasonal restrictions:
| Feature | Details |
| Visa Validity | 365 days (1 year) from the date of issuance |
| Maximum Stay | Up to 90 days total (calculated cumulatively across all trips) |
| Hajj Season Restriction | Not permitted for entry from 1st Dhul Qadah to 13th Dhul Hijjah |
| Booking Requirement | Approved service package required via the Nusuk platform for every trip |
| Permit Requirement | Valid Umrah permit via the Nusuk app before each arrival |
How the Cumulative Stay Balance Works
Unlike traditional single-entry visas, this 365-day visa operates on a cumulative balance system:
- Tracking Days: Every time you enter Saudi Arabia, the days spent inside the Kingdom are deducted from your total 90-day allowance.
- Multiple Visits: You can break your 90 days into multiple shorter trips throughout the year.
- Package Limits: The length of any purchased service package cannot exceed the remaining days left on your visa balance.
Step-by-Step Entry Process
First-Time Entry
- Purchase a Package: Select and purchase an approved service package from an accredited provider on the Nusuk platform.
- Apply for the Visa: Submit your visa application through the designated official channels.
- Verify & Travel: Meeting standard immigration and travel eligibility criteria is verified prior to boarding and upon arrival.
- Track Departure: Upon exiting Saudi Arabia, departure records automatically update your remaining balance of allowable days.
Return Trips
- Book a New Package: Secure a new Nusuk service package corresponding to the duration of your trip (within your remaining day balance).
- Issue an Umrah Permit: Obtain a fresh Umrah permit via the Nusuk app matching your package dates before arriving.
- Re-activation: The visa deactivates after each departure and reactivates once all pre-entry conditions for your next visit are met.
Important Restrictions: Hajj Season Blackout
To manage crowd control and prioritize Hajj pilgrims, this multiple-entry visa cannot be used to enter Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season. The visa will remain inactive for entry starting from 1st Dhul Qadah through 13th Dhul Hijjah.
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