Multiple-entry Umrah visa? Saudi Arabia says pilgrims must follow these rules every visit

Dubai: Saudi Arabia has clarified that pilgrims travelling on multiple-entry Umrah visas must book an approved service package and obtain an Umrah permit for every visit, even though the visa remains valid for one year.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said visa holders must purchase the required services through a licensed Umrah provider on the Nusuk platform and secure an Umrah permit before travelling to the kingdom.

Visa valid for 365 days

The multiple-entry Umrah visa, introduced in July, is valid for 365 days from the date of issue and allows pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia multiple times during that period.

However, holders are permitted to stay for a cumulative maximum of 90 days over the validity of the visa.

The ministry said the multiple-entry scheme was introduced to give pilgrims greater flexibility in planning their Umrah visits. Each visit, however, remains subject to separate service and permit requirements.

Booking required for every visit

For each trip, pilgrims must purchase a service package from an approved provider through Nusuk. The package's validity cannot extend beyond the remaining period of the pilgrim's visa.

An Umrah permit must also be obtained through the Nusuk app before arrival in Saudi Arabia. The dates on the permit must correspond with those covered by the approved service package.

Pilgrims must also continue to meet all other entry and travel eligibility requirements.

How the first visit works

For the first visit, pilgrims must purchase an approved service package through Nusuk before submitting their visa application and completing the required procedures with the relevant authorities.

Travel eligibility is checked before departure. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, entry details are recorded, while departure information is updated later to determine the number of days remaining from the pilgrim's 90-day cumulative stay.

The ministry's clarification means that a valid multiple-entry Umrah visa alone does not permit a pilgrim to make subsequent Umrah visits. The required service package and permit procedures must be completed each time a pilgrim plans to return to Saudi Arabia.