Saudi Arabia's one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa explained
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Saudi Arabia has introduced a new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, allowing eligible Muslims to perform the pilgrimage multiple times without reapplying.
- The visa is valid for 365 days, permits a cumulative stay of up to 90 days, and cannot be used during the annual Hajj season.
- Pilgrims must book an authorized Umrah service package and obtain a permit through the Nusuk platform before each visit, with costs varying based on package selection.
Saudi Arabia has launched a new multiple-entry Umrah visa, valid for one year, designed to simplify religious travel for Muslims worldwide. This initiative, part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, allows eligible pilgrims to perform Umrah multiple times without the need for a new visa application for each visit.
The visa permits multiple entries into Saudi Arabia within its 365-day validity period. However, pilgrims are limited to a cumulative stay of 90 days across all visits, a limit that does not reset with each trip. It is important to note that this visa is not valid during the annual Hajj pilgrimage season. The visa is deactivated upon departure from Saudi Arabia and reactivated for subsequent visits once all required conditions are met.
Muslims of all nationalities are eligible for this visa, provided they meet the prescribed requirements, including booking an approved Umrah service package before submitting their application. The application process is managed through Saudi Arabia's Nusuk platform, which facilitates visa processing, insurance, accommodation, and transportation. Pilgrims must also obtain an Umrah permit via the Nusuk app before each trip, even though the visa itself is valid for a year.
The cost of the Umrah visa varies depending on the selected package, ranging from standard packages costing approximately Dh2,000 to Dh2,684, to luxury options priced between Dh5,000 and Dh7,000. A standalone Umrah visa for UAE residents typically costs between Dh300 and Dh600. These costs generally include accommodation, insurance, transport, and visa-related services, though actual prices may fluctuate based on the authorized agency and travel season.
Originally published by Times of India. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.