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Saudi Arabia Announces New Umrah Visa Rules: What Pilgrims Need to Know (November 2025)
Saudi Arabia has announced new regulations for Umrah visas, set to take effect in early November 2025, bringing key updates every pilgrim and travel consultant should understand before planning their journey to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Major Change: Umrah Visa Validity Shortened to One Month
Under the new rules, the Umrah visa validity period has been reduced from three months to one month (30 days) from the date of issuance.
That means once your Umrah visa is approved, you must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days. If you fail to do so, the visa will be automatically cancelled.
- Example: If your Umrah visa is issued on 10 November, you must arrive in the Kingdom before 10 December, or your visa will expire unused.
However, once you have entered Saudi Arabia, you can stay for up to three months to perform Umrah and visit Makkah, Madinah, and other spiritual sites.
Why the Change?
According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the decision aims to:
- Manage the increasing number of Umrah pilgrims more efficiently.
- Ensure smoother crowd control and pilgrim services in the holy cities.
- Align with the Vision 2030 reforms that enhance the overall pilgrimage experience through digital and logistical improvements.
Officials noted that Umrah pilgrim numbers have risen sharply as weather conditions improve and travel demand increases worldwide.
What Pilgrims Should Do Now
If you’re planning to perform Umrah soon, keep these key points in mind:
- Apply for your visa closer to your travel date — don’t apply months in advance.
- Book your flights and accommodation early to ensure travel within the 30-day validity.
- Check with your travel consultant or agency for the latest updates and assistance with visa processing.
- Avoid delays — unused visas will be cancelled automatically after 30 days.