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 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 Al Furqan Travels, we make sure every pilgrim traveling from the UK is informed, compliant, and fully supported, from visa processing to accommodation in Makkah and Madinah. This guide explains all 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, once approved, the visa remained valid for 90 days from the date of issue. However, recent updates have shortened that period significantly.

New Umrah Visa Rules for 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced regulatory changes starting November 1, 2025:

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. These adjustments aim to make travel more organized, reduce congestion, and improve the pilgrimage experience.

What the Change Means in Simple Terms

Previously, you had three months to travel to Saudi Arabia after issuance. Now, that entry window is reduced to just one month.

Example:

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

For pilgrims booking through Al Furqan Travels, this change means better coordination. We ensure your visa is issued at the right time so your 30-day entry window aligns perfectly with your flight and hotel bookings.

Why Saudi Arabia Made This Change

Tightening visa timeframes is part of Vision 2030 to manage record-breaking pilgrim numbers. 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 via the Nusuk and Masar digital platforms.
Reduce last-minute congestion caused by outdated or unused visas.

Step-by-Step: Apply Umrah Visa Online

Booking through Al Furqan Travels simplifies the process under the new system:

Step 1: Choose Your Package and Dates

Select your preferred Umrah package (3, 4, or 5-star) and confirm dates. Our consultants ensure these dates fit 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 handle the submission through approved Saudi channels.

Step 3: Visa Issuance

Once approved, your visa is 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. Your coordinator will confirm flight schedules, hotel check-ins, and ground transfers in advance.

Step 5: Perform Umrah and Stay Up to 3 Months

After arrival, you are permitted to stay up to 90 days (three months) inside Saudi Arabia to complete rituals and visit Madinah at ease.

Three Visa Options for UK Travelers

Dedicated Umrah Visa: Traditional option arranged by approved agents like Al Furqan Travels.
Tourist Visa: UK citizens can perform Umrah using a Saudi tourist e-visa, provided they don’t visit Makkah during Hajj season.
Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW): Eligible British passport holders can use an EVW for tourism, business, or Umrah.

How to Check Your Umrah Visa Validity

Verify your visa online via 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.
View the issue date, entry validity (30 days), and permitted stay duration.

Why Book Your Umrah Through Al Furqan Travels?

We are an ATOL-protected UK travel agency dedicated to a stress-free pilgrimage:

Smart Visa Timing: We issue visas close to departure to maximize your entry window.
Verified Accommodation: Packages include pre-approved hotels in Makkah and Madinah.
Compliant Transport: We book transfers via authorized Nusuk/Masar channels.
Tailored Support: Dedicated UK and Saudi-based teams are available throughout.
Flexible Packages: 3, 4, and 5-star options for groups or private travel.

Tips to Avoid Visa Issues

Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Avoid Early Issuance: If you apply too soon, the 30-day window may expire. We time this for you.
Linked Bookings: Booking flights and hotels together ensures smoother approval.
Health Documents: Keep updated vaccination or health requirements ready.
Stay Duration: Ensure you return before your 90-day stay 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 flexibility	Crowd management & logistics

Final Notes

The 30-day entry rule marks a new phase in managing religious travel. Plan carefully and travel within 30 days of issuance. Al Furqan Travels ensures every detail fits this framework so you can focus on your spiritual journey.

For questions or customized packages, reach us at:

info@alfurqantravels.co.uk | contact@alfurqantravels.co.uk