Umrah visa validity cut to one month in Saudi Arabia; pilgrims urged to confirm travel promptly

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1 Umrah visa validity cut to one month in Saudi Arabia; pilgrims urged to confirm travel promptly

4 Implications for Travel Agents & Operators

According to the amended Umrah regulations, the Umrah visa will be cancelled after 30 days from the date of issuance if the pilgrim does not register to enter Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MoHU) has announced a significant change to the entry-visa validity for pilgrims performing Umrah: the window to enter the Kingdom after visa issuance is now reduced from three months to just one month. This move is part of efforts to manage increasing pilgrim numbers and streamline arrangements in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Key Changes

The entry-validity period for an Umrah visa has been shortened from three months to one month from issuance.
The period of stay after arrival in the Kingdom remains unchanged at up to three months.
Visas that remain unused for 30 days from the date of issuance will be automatically cancelled.

What Pilgrims Should Know

Plan your travel time carefully. With only one month between visa issuance and required entry, pilgrims must align airline bookings, accommodation, and Umrah registration within this tighter window.
Ensure registration and permit processes are completed promptly. Given the 30-day auto-cancel policy, delaying entry could lead to visa cancellation without refund.
Stay-duration once entered remains generous. While the entry window is shortened, once you arrive you still have up to three months for your stay.
Check service provider and package dates. Umrah operators and travel facilitators will need to coordinate the shorter entry window—confirm your travel package aligns with the new rules.
Stay updated on digital platforms. The Kingdom’s official Umrah platform (Nusuk) and other services are likely to be heavily used during this period—users should verify their process flows and timelines.

Implications for Travel Agents & Operators

Travel agencies must adjust their scheduling, booking confirmation and visa-issue workflows to reflect the reduced entry window.
Operators need to communicate clearly with pilgrims about the tighter timeline and steps for registration to avoid cancellations.
Agents should monitor arrival-registration systems to ensure that issued visas translate into actual entries and to reduce potential delays.