New Policy: Umrah visas are now valid for three months from the date of issuance
Earlier, validity of Umrah visa for three months from the date of entry to Saudi Arabia
Dubai: Pilgrims who want to go to Saudi Arabia must note that the validity of Umrah visa has been changed with immediate effect.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has declared a new policy regarding the validity of Umrah visas, which will now last for three months from the date of issuance. Earlier, three-month validity was counted from the date of entry to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
All Umrah visas will expire by the 15th of Dhu Al Qa'dah each Hijri year, as part of a coordinated effort with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs to streamline preparations for the annual Hajj season.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah made the latest announcement in response to various queries on the "X" platform, marking a change from the previous system where the three-month validity period began upon the visa holder's entry into Saudi Arabia.
New visa expiry date
The ministry clarified that the validity of the Umrah visa is three months from the date of its issuance, provided that it expires no later than Dhul Qadah 15, and that is in accordance with the coordination made between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “This date of Dhul Qadah 15 was approved, two weeks (14 days) earlier than the previously announced expiry date of Dhul Qadah 29,” the ministry added.
The Ministry further said the change aims to better manage the influx and activities of pilgrims leading up to and during the Hajj season.
Earlier yesterday, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah advised visitors that the Umrah visa is specifically for pilgrimage purposes and should not be used for employment or other non-pilgrimage activities.
They stressed the importance of adhering to visa regulations, especially in light of recent instances where visas were misused. Pilgrims are urged to leave Saudi Arabia before their visas expire and to respect the conditions of their stay.
Types of visas
If you are traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah on the Saudi tourist electronic visa, then you will most probably have a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year, allowing a 90-day stay each visit, or a single-entry visa valid for 90 days, allowing a 30-day stay. In all cases, you should check your visa information carefully, in order to avoid overstays and penalties
How can apply
To apply for a Saudi Umrah visa, foreign applicants must be at least 18 years old, of the Muslim faith, and meet a set of Saudi Umrah & Hajj visa requirements, detailed below. The new Saudi visa rules 2022, have laxed previous rules, now allowing women, 18 to 65 years old, to perform Umrah without a male guardian, on the condition that they are part of a group and have the permission of their husband or father, known as a Mahram. Children under 18 years of age must apply for a Umrah visa with a parent or legal guardian.
Umrah Permit
Please note that when traveling in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, you will need a Umrah permit to visit the holy sites and perform the pilgrimage activities. To apply for a Umrah permit, pilgrims should use certain mobile applications, such as Nusuk, which is an official Saudi integrated digital platform released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah.