Saudi Arabia has announced some changes to its umrah visa policy. Now, umrah visas will stay valid for three months from the date they’re issued.
As reported by Gulf News on Tuesday (April 16, 2024), these changes come from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia. They’re working together with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make getting ready for the yearly Hajj season easier.
This announcement came after people asked a lot of questions on the “X” platform. Before, umrah visas were valid for three months starting from the day you arrived in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Ministry also said that the three-month visa period from the date of issuance will only work until the 15th of Zulkaidah, or May 23, 2024.
“The change in the umrah visa’s expiration date from the 29th of Zulkaidah to the 15th of Zulkaidah is to help pilgrims travel smoothly to Mecca and Medina for the yearly pilgrimage,” the ministry said.
“The 15th of Zulkaidah is two weeks (14 days) earlier than the old expiration date of the 29th of Zulkaidah,” they added.
Before, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said umrah visas are only for religious reasons in the Holy Land and can’t be used for work or other stuff.
They really want people to follow the visa rules, especially because some people have been misusing their visas. They also remind pilgrims to leave Saudi Arabia before their visas expire and to follow the rules while they’re there.