By Digital Spartans 
Under new rules, pilgrims must enter the Kingdom within one month of visa issuance
Saudi Arabia has announced a major change to its Umrah visa policy, shortening the entry window for pilgrims from three months to one month, according to Arab media reports on Friday.
The new regulation is part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to streamline visa processes and better manage the flow of pilgrims arriving for Umrah, especially during peak religious seasons.
Under the revised policy, pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia within one month of their visa being issued. Failure to do so will result in automatic cancellation of the visa, the reports said.
Previously, Umrah pilgrims had up to three months to enter Saudi Arabia after obtaining their visa, offering more flexibility in travel planning. The new system is designed to enhance coordination and prevent overcrowding at airports and holy sites.
Duration of stay remains unchanged
Despite the reduction in the entry window, the duration of stay within the Kingdom remains the same. Pilgrims will still be allowed to stay for up to three months after entry, giving them adequate time to perform Umrah and visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
While Saudi officials have not yet issued a formal statement confirming the exact implementation date, sources suggest the new policy may take effect next week.
The latest update aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which seeks to modernize travel procedures, expand religious tourism capacity, and provide a smoother experience for millions of pilgrims who visit the Kingdom each year.