JEDDAH – In a significant move to manage the growing number of Umrah pilgrims, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced new regulations that require pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia within one month of receiving their Umrah visa.
According to the new policy, travelers must ensure that they arrive in the Kingdom within 30 days of visa issuance, or their visa will automatically be canceled.
The previous rule allowed a three-month window for visa holders to enter Saudi Arabia after obtaining the Umrah visa.
While the window to enter the country has been shortened, pilgrims will still be allowed to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to three months after their arrival, as per the existing rules.
This change aims to streamline the process, especially given the increasing number of international pilgrims coming to perform Umrah. Since June of this year, over 4 million Umrah visas have been issued, marking a significant rise compared to previous years.
According to Ahmed Bajfer, an advisor to Saudi Arabia’s National Committee for Umrah, the new regulations will take effect next week.
The decision comes in response to the overwhelming demand for Umrah visas and the Ministry’s efforts to ensure a smoother pilgrimage experience for visitors.
Every year, Saudi Arabia hosts millions of Umrah pilgrims from across the world, including Pakistan.
More than 11.7 million pilgrims performed Umrah during the Hijri month of Rabi Al Thani, marking one of the highest monthly figures recorded to date, according to new data released by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah earlier this month.
