RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced new regulations for Umrah pilgrims, reducing the validity period of Umrah visas from three months to one month, effective next week. The move is part of broader efforts to manage the growing influx of pilgrims more efficiently and ensure smoother crowd control during peak pilgrimage seasons.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, any visa left unused for 30 days after issuance will be automatically cancelled. However, once a pilgrim enters the Kingdom, the permitted stay of up to three months remains unchanged, allowing ample time for religious rituals and travel within Saudi Arabia.
Officials have emphasized that the change is administrative in nature and aims to streamline the visa process while preventing overcrowding in Makkah and Madinah. The policy aligns with Vision 2030, which seeks to modernize pilgrimage management through digital systems, advanced monitoring, and improved logistical frameworks.
Travel operators have advised pilgrims, particularly from Pakistan, to plan their departures carefully within the new validity period to avoid cancellation or delays. Experts believe the revised policy reflects the government’s anticipation of record-high Umrah traffic in the upcoming months, particularly with cooler weather drawing millions of visitors.
While the decision introduces tighter scheduling for travelers, it also underscores the Saudi government’s growing emphasis on efficiency, security, and hospitality in serving pilgrims from around the world.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.