Saudi Arabia has introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa that stays valid for 365 days, letting holders enter the Kingdom more than once, up to a combined stay of 90 days. The change arrives in a busy season, with Umrah visa arrivals up 23 percent compared with the previous one.
- Validity: 365 days from the date of issue
- Entries: multiple entries during the validity period
- Total stay: up to 90 days across all visits
- Before each visit: purchase a service package from an approved provider on the Nusuk app
- Hajj season: the visa is not activated during the Hajj season
What the new visa allows
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched the multiple-entry Umrah visa, according to the Saudi Press Agency. It is valid for 365 days from the day it is issued and allows the holder to enter the Kingdom several times, with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days. For pilgrims who hope to return more than once in the same year, this offers a simpler option than treating every journey as a separate visa application.
The rules around each trip still matter. Every visit requires the purchase of a service package from an approved provider on Nusuk, the official app for planning and booking pilgrimages. The visa also will not be activated during the Hajj season, so travellers should plan their dates carefully.
A busy season for Umrah
The ministry said Umrah visa arrivals rose 23 percent to more than 1.3 million for the season running from late May 2026 to mid July, compared with the previous season. The largest number of pilgrims came from Pakistan, followed by Indonesia and Iraq. Official data also shows that the total number of Hajj pilgrims in 2026 exceeded 1.7 million.
Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 150 million visitors a year by 2030, and religious tourism is a major part of that plan. For travellers, higher demand means it is wise to book flights, hotels and Nusuk packages early, especially around school holidays and Ramadan.
Book Umrah services only through Nusuk or licensed providers, keep screenshots of every confirmation, and check that your travel dates do not fall within the Hajj season before you pay.
The new Tourism Package Visa pilot
In the same month, Saudi Arabia launched the pilot phase of a Tourism Package Visa. It lets visitors obtain an electronic visa as part of one package that includes flights, accommodation and insurance, booked through authorised travel providers. The package can be used to perform Umrah, visit relatives and friends, attend events and explore destinations across the Kingdom.
Travel specialists welcomed the pilot and said they hope future phases will bring in more licensed Saudi travel and tourism companies. As it is still a pilot, check the official Visit Saudi and Nusuk channels for the latest list of providers and conditions.
Travelling from Pakistan
Because Pakistan sends the largest number of Umrah pilgrims, recent domestic rules are worth knowing. Daily Pakistan reported in July 2026 that the federal government had enforced new Umrah rules under the Hajj and Umrah Act 2024, including payment for Umrah packages through banking channels. Pilgrims were also advised to keep all relevant documents. Always confirm that your operator is registered before paying.
Planning your trip
Many pilgrims add a few days in Jeddah or a visit to heritage sites after Umrah. Our Saudi Arabia visa guide explains the other entry options, and the Saudi Arabia tourism guide covers Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla. If you are visiting mosques along the way, our guide to mosque visiting etiquette covers dress and timing, and our halal-friendly travel guide helps with food and prayer spaces. Continue ↓
Rules, fees and processing times can change, so confirm the latest requirements on the official Saudi government and Nusuk channels before booking non-refundable flights or hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the multiple-entry Umrah visa valid?
It is valid for 365 days from the date of issue.
How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia?
The visa allows a cumulative stay of up to 90 days across all visits during its validity.
Do I still need a Nusuk package for every trip?
Yes. Each visit requires the purchase of a service package from an approved provider on Nusuk.
Can I use the visa during the Hajj season?
No. The visa is not activated during the Hajj season, and Hajj itself has separate arrangements through official channels.
What is the Tourism Package Visa?
It is a pilot scheme that combines flights, accommodation and insurance with an e-visa in one package booked through authorised providers.
Sources: AGBI, “Saudi Arabia launches multiple-entry Umrah visa” (July 2026); Arab News (18 July 2026); Daily Pakistan (15 July 2026).
