Saudi Arabia has introduced one of the biggest changes to its Umrah visa system in recent years. On 20 July 2026, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced a 365-day multiple-entry Umrah visa, giving eligible pilgrims greater flexibility to perform Umrah throughout the year. Instead of applying for a new visa before every journey, travellers can now use a single visa for multiple visits while following the latest regulations. The new system is designed to improve the pilgrim experience through digital services, simplified travel procedures, and better planning under Saudi Vision 2030. However, the visa also comes with new conditions, including mandatory Nusuk service packages and Umrah permits before every visit. Understanding these changes is essential for UK pilgrims planning their next spiritual journey.

What Is Saudi’s New Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa?

The latest Umrah visa update introduces a multiple-entry visa that remains valid for 365 days from the date of issue. During its validity, pilgrims can enter Saudi Arabia several times instead of applying for a new visa for each trip. The total permitted stay is 90 days cumulatively, meaning every day spent in the Kingdom is deducted from the overall allowance. This new policy provides greater flexibility for pilgrims who wish to perform Umrah more than once in a year.

One Visa for Multiple Journeys

Unlike previous arrangements, pilgrims can now plan several Umrah trips under one visa. This reduces repeated paperwork while giving travellers the freedom to choose travel dates that suit their family, work, or personal commitments.

365-Day Validity Explained

The visa remains active for one year from its issue date. Within this period, pilgrims may travel multiple times, provided they continue meeting the required regulations before every visit.

How Does the 90-Day Stay Rule Work?

One of the most important parts of the new update is the cumulative stay limit. Pilgrims are allowed to spend up to 90 days in total during the visa’s one-year validity. These days are shared across all visits rather than being available for each individual trip. For example, if a traveller stays for 20 days during the first visit, only 70 days remain for future journeys. This encourages better travel planning throughout the year.

Days Are Counted Together

Saudi authorities automatically calculate the total number of days used after every departure. Travellers should monitor their remaining balance before planning another Umrah journey.

Plan Your Visits Carefully

Pilgrims intending to perform multiple Umrahs should organise their travel dates wisely. Managing the available stay period helps avoid exceeding the permitted 90-day limit.

How Does Al Amanah Travel UK Help With the New Visa Update?

Understanding the latest regulations can sometimes be confusing, especially when digital requirements have changed. Al Amanah Travel UK helps pilgrims understand the updated visa process, prepare the necessary documents, and book Umrah packages that meet the latest Saudi requirements. Whether it is your first Umrah or a return visit, Al Amanah Travel UK ensures travellers receive accurate guidance based on the newest official announcements. Many UK pilgrims choose Al Amanah Travel UK because of its professional support, transparent advice, and commitment to making the pilgrimage process simple and stress-free.

Expert Guidance Throughout the Process

Experienced travel consultants explain every new requirement clearly, helping pilgrims complete their applications accurately while reducing unnecessary delays.

Reliable Support for UK Pilgrims

From documentation to travel planning, Al Amanah Travel UK provides continuous assistance so pilgrims remain informed before departure.

Why Is the Nusuk Platform Now Mandatory?

A major change introduced with the new visa is the compulsory use of the Nusuk platform. Before every visit, pilgrims must purchase an approved service package through Nusuk. In addition, an Umrah permit must be issued through the Nusuk application before entering Saudi Arabia. These digital requirements help improve organisation, regulate pilgrim services, and provide a smoother travel experience from arrival to departure.

Approved Service Packages

Every Umrah journey requires purchasing a package from an authorised provider listed on the Nusuk platform. The package duration cannot exceed the remaining days available under the visa.

Umrah Permit Before Arrival

Holding a visa alone is not enough. Pilgrims must also obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk application before travelling to Saudi Arabia.

What Happens After You Leave Saudi Arabia?

Another important feature of the updated system is that the visa becomes inactive after every departure from Saudi Arabia. It is reactivated before the next visit once all required conditions have been completed again. This includes purchasing another approved Nusuk package and obtaining a fresh Umrah permit. Al Amanah Travel UK advises pilgrims to complete these steps early to avoid travel interruptions or last-minute issues.

Reactivation for Future Visits

The visa remains valid throughout the year, but each new journey requires compliance with the latest travel conditions before re-entry is approved. Pilgrims must check updated requirements before every visit, confirm their documents are valid, and follow official guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful Umrah travel experience. 

Prepare Before Booking Flights

Checking visa status, permit approval, and service package confirmation before purchasing airline tickets helps prevent unnecessary travel complications. Pilgrims should complete all required arrangements in advance, confirm their travel eligibility, and ensure every document is properly prepared to enjoy a smooth and worry-free Umrah experience. 

Can You Use This Visa During Hajj Season?

No. Saudi authorities have confirmed that the new multiple-entry Umrah visa cannot be activated during the Hajj season, which runs from 1 Dhul-Qa’dah until 13 Dhul-Hijjah. Pilgrims planning to travel close to Hajj should carefully check the Islamic calendar before making bookings. Al Amanah Travel UK regularly updates its customers regarding these important travel restrictions so they can choose suitable travel dates.

Hajj Has Separate Regulations

The Umrah visa cannot replace a Hajj visa. Those wishing to perform Hajj must follow the official Hajj application procedures instead. Pilgrims should carefully check travel dates, visa eligibility, and government announcements to ensure they apply for the correct visa and avoid disruptions to their religious journey. 

Check Your Travel Dates

Planning travel outside the restricted Hajj period helps avoid cancellations and ensures the visa remains usable. Pilgrims should review official travel updates, confirm permitted dates, and arrange their Umrah journey in advance to enjoy a smooth and stress-free pilgrimage experience.

What Should UK Pilgrims Do Before Applying?

Before applying under the new visa system, travellers should ensure their passport is valid, prepare all required travel documents, and understand the latest digital requirements. Booking through an experienced agency such as Al Amanah Travel UK can simplify the process and reduce mistakes during the application. Since every visit now requires a new Nusuk package and permit, early planning has become more important than ever. Pilgrims should also follow official announcements for any future policy updates.

Prepare Your Documents Early

Keeping your passport, travel itinerary, and accommodation details ready makes the visa process quicker and more efficient. Pilgrims should also verify all required documents before submission, follow application guidelines carefully, and ensure personal information is accurate to prevent delays during the approval process.

Stay Updated With Official Changes

Saudi Arabia continues improving pilgrim services. Following verified announcements ensures travellers always meet the latest visa requirements. Staying updated through official sources helps pilgrims understand new procedures, avoid unnecessary complications, and prepare their documents properly for a safe, organised, and comfortable Umrah journey.

Saudi Umrah Visa Rules Every UK Pilgrim Knows

Saudi Arabia’s 365-day multiple-entry Umrah visa marks a significant improvement in pilgrimage travel. By allowing multiple visits within one year and offering a cumulative stay of up to 90 days, the new policy gives pilgrims much greater flexibility. However, travellers must remember that every visit requires an approved Nusuk service package and a valid Umrah permit before arrival. The visa also remains unavailable during the Hajj season. For UK pilgrims, staying informed and planning ahead is the key to a smooth journey. Al Amanah Travel UK continues to support pilgrims with the latest visa guidance, helping them understand new regulations, complete documentation correctly, and prepare confidently for a memorable Umrah experience.