Saudi Arabia extends Umrah visa validity to one year

Saudi Arabia has extended the validity of the Umrah visa to one year (365 days) in a bid to further strengthen its tourism sector. Under the new visa system, visitors will be able to enter Saudi Arabia multiple times within a year and stay for a maximum of 90 days per visit .

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported the information on Monday (July 20). The report said the new visa system has been introduced as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's 'Saudi Vision 2030' .

According to the new rules, visa holders must purchase an Umrah package from the official Nusuk platform before each entry into Saudi Arabia . The validity of the package cannot exceed the remaining validity of the visa. Additionally, pilgrims must obtain an Umrah permit through Nusuk before their visit.

However, this visa will be temporarily suspended during the Hajj season, starting from the 1st of the Arabic month of Dhul Qa'dah to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, when entry into Saudi Arabia using the Umrah visa will not be permitted.

Sources: Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Gulf News