Authorities in Saudi Arabia have announced new changes to the Umrah visa rules, ahead of the pilgrimage season.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that the Umrah visa will now remain valid for a period of three months (90 days) from the date of issuance, VisaGuide.World reports.
The new announcement marks a departure from the previous system where the validity period began upon their arrival into the country.
Through the previous regulations, Umrah pilgrims had a period of three months to complete their pilgrimage, from the moment they reached Saudi Arabia. Now, based on the new rules, the visa is valid for 90 days starting from the day it is issued.
Through a statement on the X platform, the ministry said that the new changes come in response to inquiries received through the official account of the Ministry on the X platform.
Concluding your spiritual Umrah journey with a timely departure before your visa expires is unparalleled.
The new decision aims to facilitate pilgrimages and ensure a seamless journey for pilgrims to the Makkah and Madinah. This year, the Hajj rituals will begin from June 14 until June 19.
However, in spite of the fact that both Hajj and Umrah are pilgrimages, the two are not the same.
While the Hajj season has a specific period of time for pilgrimage, an Umrah pilgrimage can be done anytime during the Islamic calendar.
2023 Pilgrimage Sets New Highs
A total of 13.55 million Umrah pilgrims were welcomed in Saudi Arabia last year, thus making a new record, according to the figures provided by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfig Al Rabiah.
The number of those coming from outside Saudi Arabia for Umrah increased by 58 per cent, or five million, in comparison to the record 8.55 million registered in 2019, before the spread of the Coronavirus.
Minister Al Rabiah considered that the increase was the result of the government’s improved facilities. In addition, the minister mentioned that this year, over 35 companies will offer Hajj services, up from 20 in 2023.
Umrah Visas vs. Tourist Visas
Those interested in heading to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage should ensure that they hold a valid visa in order to reach the country. Umrah visa is different from the regular tourist visa issued in this country. While the tourist visa allows multiple entries and it’s valid for 90 days, the Umrah visa is a single-entry visa for pilgrimage purposes also valid for 90 days.