New Umrah Visa Rule

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Saudi Umrah Visa Validity and New Umrah Visa Rules

The Saudi Umrah visa has a validity for entry of 30 days from the date of issuance, but allows a stay of up to 90 days in the Kingdom once you have entered. This new rule is implemented to improve crowd management and the overall pilgrim experience.

Performing Umrah is a journey many wait their whole lives to take. For UK pilgrims preparing for 2025 and beyond, Saudi Arabia has announced some important updates to the Umrah visa validity and entry rules. These new regulations redefine how long your visa stays valid, when you must enter the Kingdom, and how long you can remain once you arrive.

At Alhadi Travel, we make sure every pilgrim travelling from the UK is informed, compliant, and fully supported, from visa processing to accommodation in Makkah and Madinah. This page walks you through all the recent visa changes and what they mean for your next Umrah journey.

Understanding the Umrah Visa!

An Umrah visa is a short-term entry permit granted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Muslims wishing to perform the minor pilgrimage. It is separate from the Hajj visa and can be applied for throughout the year.

The visa allows pilgrims to perform Umrah rituals in Makkah and visit Madinah, but it does not permit work or residence.

Previously, the process was relatively straightforward: once approved, the visa remained valid for 90 days from the date of issue, giving pilgrims plenty of time to plan their entry. However, recent updates have shortened that period significantly.

New Umrah Visa Rules Announced for 2025:

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced a series of regulatory changes to manage rising pilgrim numbers and streamline travel logistics.

Starting November 1, 2025, the new rules state that:

The Umrah visa validity is reduced from 90 days to 30 days from the date of issuance.
Pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the visa issue date, or the visa will automatically be cancelled.
The permitted stay duration inside Saudi Arabia remains three months (90 days) after entry.
Over four million Umrah visas have already been issued this season, with crowd-management measures introduced in Makkah and Madinah to maintain comfort and safety.

The Saudi authorities emphasise that these adjustments will make travel more organised, reduce congestion, and improve the overall pilgrimage experience.

What the Change Means in Simple Terms?

Previously, when your Umrah visa was issued, you had three months to travel to Saudi Arabia. Now, that entry window has been reduced to just one month.

This means:

If your visa is issued on 1 May 2025, you must enter the Kingdom by 31 May 2025.
Once you’ve arrived, you can still stay up to three months, just as before.
If you delay your trip and don’t enter within those 30 days, your visa is automatically void.

For pilgrims booking through Alhadi Travel, this change simply means better coordination. We ensure your visa is issued at the right time, not too early, not too late, so your 30-day entry window aligns perfectly with your flight and hotel bookings.

Why Saudi Arabia Made This Change?

The decision to shorten visa validity isn’t random. It’s part of a broader plan to manage the record-breaking numbers of pilgrims performing Umrah every year.

Saudi Arabia is seeing millions of visitors during non-Hajj months. By tightening visa timeframes, the government aims to:

Prevent overcrowding in the Grand Mosque and surrounding areas.
Improve travel planning for pilgrims and service providers.
Ensure real-time monitoring of arrivals and departures via the Nusuk and Masar digital platforms.
Reduce last-minute congestion caused by outdated or unused visas.

The move is aligned with Vision 2030, which seeks to modernise religious tourism and enhance the pilgrim experience through smarter systems and sustainable crowd control.

Step-by-Step: Apply Umrah visa online

Booking through Alhadi Travel simplifies the entire process. Here’s what it looks like under the new system:

Step 1: Choose Your Package and Dates:

Select your preferred Umrah package (3-star, 4-star or 5-star options) and confirm your travel dates. Our consultants ensure your chosen dates fit comfortably within your visa’s entry window.

Step 2: Submit Your Documents:

Provide your passport, passport-sized photos, proof of vaccination, and other required details. We’ll handle the submission through approved Saudi channels.

Step 3: Visa Issuance:

Once approved, your Umrah visa will be issued digitally. From this day, your 30-day countdown begins to enter Saudi Arabia.

Step 4: Enter the Kingdom:

Travel within the next 30 days, and your Alhadi Travel coordinator will confirm your flight schedule, hotel check-in, and ground-transfer arrangements in advance.

Step 5: Perform Umrah and Stay Up to 3 Months:

After arrival, you’re permitted to stay up to 90 days (three months) inside Saudi Arabia. This gives you time to complete Umrah rituals and visit Madinah at ease.

Three Visa Options for UK Travellers!!

For British travellers, there are three main visa pathways to perform Umrah:

1. Dedicated Umrah Visa:

This is the most traditional option, arranged by approved agents such as Alhadi Travel. It’s best for those travelling specifically for Umrah.

2. Tourist Visa:

UK citizens can also perform Umrah using a Saudi tourist e-visa, provided they don’t visit Makkah during Hajj season and follow Umrah-specific guidelines.

3. Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) for British Passport Holders:

Holders of British passports may be eligible for an EVW, which allows a short-term visit to Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, or Umrah. Alhadi Travel can help verify eligibility and arrange the correct documentation.

Each option has slightly different conditions, and our team advises which one best suits your travel plan.

How to Check Your Umrah Visa Validity?

You can verify your umrah visa online using the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.

Visit visa.mofa.gov.sa.
Select “Visa Application” or “Visa Validity Check.”
Enter your visa number, passport number, and image code.
You’ll see the issue date, entry validity period (30 days from issuance), and the permitted stay duration.

It’s wise to double-check the details immediately after issuance so you can plan your travel accordingly.

Why Book Your Umrah Through Alhadi Travel?

AlHadi Travel is an ATOL-protected UK travel agency dedicated to making Umrah accessible and stress-free. Here’s what sets us apart under the new rules:

Smart Visa Timing: We issue your visa close to departure to maximise your 30-day window.
Verified Accommodation: Every package includes pre-approved hotels in Makkah and Madinah as required by Saudi authorities.
Compliant Transport Arrangements: We book your transfers via authorised Nusuk/Masar channels to ensure your visa remains valid.
Tailored Support: Our UK and Saudi-based teams are available throughout your journey.
Flexible Packages: Choose from 3-, 4-, or 5-star Umrah packages with group or private options.

We also monitor policy updates directly from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah so our pilgrims stay informed and fully compliant.

Tips to Avoid Visa Issues!!!

Check Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Avoid Early Visa Issuance: If you apply too soon before travel, your 30-day window may expire before departure. Let our team time it for you.
Book Flights and Hotels Together: Linked bookings ensure your visa is approved without delays.
Keep Health Documents Ready: Follow any updated vaccination or health requirements announced by Saudi authorities.
Confirm Stay Duration: Even though you can stay up to three months, you should return before your visa expires to avoid penalties.

Summary: Key Points to Remember!!

Rule	Old Policy	New Policy (Nov 2025)
Visa validity from issuance	90 days	30 days
Latest entry deadline	Within 90 days	Within 30 days
Permitted stay after arrival	3 months	3 months (unchanged)
Automatic cancellation	After 90 days	After 30 days, if no entry
Objective	Standard travel flexibility	Crowd management and better logistics

Final Notes!!

The shortening of the Umrah visa validity period marks a new phase in how Saudi Arabia manages religious travel. For pilgrims, the key takeaway is simple: plan carefully and travel within 30 days of your visa issuance.

Alhadi Travel ensures that every part of your pilgrimage, from visa processing to hotel check-in, fits perfectly into this new framework. Our UK-based consultants and Saudi partners handle the details so you can focus entirely on your spiritual journey.

For any questions, customised Umrah packages, or help with visa applications, reach out to our team today. We’ll make sure your journey to Makkah and Madinah remains smooth, sacred, and fully compliant.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the cheapest Umrah packages in the UK?

The cheapest Umrah packages in the UK start from around £500-£7850 per person, but prices significantly increase for luxury options and vary based on travel dates, duration, and hotel quality.

Are there ATOL-protected Umrah packages in the UK?

Yes, there are so many travel agencies in the UK offer ATOL-protected Umrah packages, ensuring financial security for travelers. Look for agencies explicitly stating their ATOL protection, which covers the cost of your trip and flights in case the company faces financial difficulties or an emergency occurs in Saudi Arabia

What are the Umrah visa requirements for UK residents?

To perform Umrah as a UK resident, you will need a passport valid for at least six months, passport-sized photos, confirmed hotel and flight reservations, proof of a required vaccination (like Meningitis), a completed application, and often a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you’re not a UK citizen.

Is travel insurance mandatory for UK citizens going to Umrah?

Yes, travel insurance that includes mandatory medical coverage is essential for UK citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, as it is a condition for obtaining a visa and entering the country.

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