Saudi Arabia has introduced significant changes to Umrah visa regulations, reducing the visa validity period from three months to one month after issuance.

Travellers must now enter the Kingdom within 30 days of the visa being issued, or it will automatically expire.

Under the new policy announced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Umrah pilgrims can stay for up to three months once they enter Saudi Arabia.

The ministry confirmed the updated system will take effect next week, aimed at improving visa processing and ensuring a smoother entry process for pilgrims.

Officials say that the decision has been made to manage the increasing influx of Umrah pilgrims, particularly with cooler weather approaching and visitor numbers expected to rise.

According to the ministry, over four million Umrah visas have already been issued since the start of the current season, the highest number recorded in five months.

Earlier, Saudi authorities also announced that pilgrims holding all types of visas, including personal, family, tourist, transit and work visas, are now eligible to perform Umrah as part of efforts to simplify access under the Vision 2030 programme.

The ministry highlighted the Nusuk platform, which allows visitors to book packages, secure permits, and plan their trips conveniently online, making Umrah arrangements easier for Muslims around the world.