Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a new multiple-entry Umrah visa, and it changes the way pilgrims and their families plan visits to Makkah and Madinah. Announced by the Saudi Press Agency on July 20, 2026, the new visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issuance and allows holders to enter the Kingdom multiple times, with a combined stay of up to 90 days across all visits. For expats living in Saudi Arabia, this also changes how you can invite family and friends to visit for Umrah without them needing to reapply for a fresh visa every time.
This article breaks down exactly how the new visa works, how it compares with other visa options, what it costs in Saudi riyals, and what expat residents specifically need to know when family members want to come and perform Umrah.
What the New Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa Includes
According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the visa is valid for 365 days from issuance and permits multiple entries into the Kingdom. Pilgrims can stay for a cumulative total of up to 90 days during that year, calculated across all their visits combined rather than per trip. Every time the holder leaves Saudi Arabia, the visa deactivates. To use it again, they need to meet the relevant regulatory requirements before re-entering, at which point the visa reactivates for the next visit.
Each entry requires the pilgrim to purchase a service package from an approved provider through the Nusuk platform, and the length of that package cannot exceed the number of days remaining on the visa. An Umrah permit issued through the Nusuk app is also required before every arrival. The Ministry has said the change supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Programme, aiming to make it easier for pilgrims to plan repeat visits and improve overall service efficiency. Read the official announcement from the Saudi Press Agency.
How It Differs From the Previous Umrah Visa System
Before this change, pilgrims typically applied for a new Umrah visa for each individual trip, with validity periods that varied by nationality and visa route. The new system replaces that pattern with a single visa that stays valid for a full year and can be used multiple times, as long as the pilgrim books a new service package and permit for each entry.
It's worth noting that Saudi Arabia previously operated a "Host Umrah" scheme, which allowed citizens and expatriates living in the Kingdom to sponsor and host a limited number of pilgrims from abroad. That scheme was discontinued, and it has not been reinstated as part of this new visa. Residents in Saudi Arabia cannot informally host visiting pilgrims outside the standard Nusuk booking process; every visiting family member still needs to go through the same visa and permit steps as any other pilgrim.
Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa vs. Tourist eVisa vs. Family Visit Visa
Expats in Saudi Arabia often ask which visa route makes the most sense for family who want to visit. Here's how the main options compare:
| Visa Type | Validity | Entries | Max Stay | Umrah Allowed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa | 365 days | Multiple | 90 days (cumulative) | Yes (purpose-built) | Pilgrims planning more than one Umrah trip within the year |
| Tourist eVisa | 1 year | Multiple | 90 days per stay | Yes (except Hajj) | Relatives combining sightseeing with Umrah |
| Family Visit Visa | Varies by sponsor | Single or limited | Varies | Not automatic | Relatives visiting primarily to see family |
Contact a licensed travel agency or the Nusuk platform directly to confirm which route best fits your family member's nationality and travel plans, since eligibility and exact terms vary.
Who Can Apply and Basic Eligibility
Any Muslim traveler can apply for an Umrah visa, and most sources indicate a minimum age requirement, with minors needing to travel under a parent or legal guardian whose details are linked to the application. Requirements can vary somewhat by nationality and by which agent or platform processes the application, so it's worth confirming directly with Nusuk or a licensed agent before booking.
Guardianship (mahram) requirements for women traveling for Umrah have been relaxed in recent years compared to past practice, but the exact current rules differ across sources and can depend on nationality, age, and the specific booking channel used. Rather than rely on a single figure, we recommend contacting Nusuk or a licensed travel agency directly to confirm current eligibility for your situation before booking.
How to Apply — Step by Step
There are two main routes to apply for the multiple-entry Umrah visa:
Through Nusuk Directly
Pilgrims outside Saudi Arabia can register on the official Nusuk Umrah platform, choose a package from an approved service provider, and complete the visa and permit process online without going through an intermediary agent.
Through a Licensed Travel Agency
Many pilgrims prefer working with an accredited agent who manages the Nusuk booking, hotel reservation, and permit process on their behalf. This is often useful for first-time applicants or those who want help navigating nationality-specific requirements.
Documents typically requested include:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- A recent passport-style photograph
- A vaccination certificate (see health requirements below)
- A confirmed return flight ticket
- Hotel accommodation booked through Nusuk or an approved provider, with a valid Booking Reference Number
Vaccination and Health Requirements
A meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate is a standard requirement for Umrah travelers, and it generally needs to be administered at least 10 days before arrival. Depending on nationality and country of departure, additional vaccinations such as polio or yellow fever may also be required. Since health requirements can change and vary by country of origin, contact your travel agent or check the Nusuk platform directly to confirm current requirements for your nationality before booking.
What the Visa Costs in SAR
| Visa Type | Approximate Cost (SAR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Umrah eVisa (baseline) | SAR 400 to SAR 480 | Approximately SAR 300 for the visa plus mandatory insurance of roughly SAR 100 to SAR 180. Usually bundled into a larger package price. |
| Tourist eVisa (alternative route) | SAR 525 to SAR 535 + SAR 10 processing | Health insurance included. |
| Agent-routed packages | Contact for current pricing | Varies significantly based on agency, accommodation tier, package duration, and add-on services. |
What affects the final price: whether you book directly through Nusuk or through an agent, the length and tier of your accommodation package, whether transport and meals are bundled in, and the season of travel, since prices tend to rise around Ramadan and school holidays. We recommend contacting your chosen provider directly for an exact quote based on your specific travel dates and preferences.
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on which channel is used. Tourist eVisas processed online are typically the fastest, often issued within 24 hours. Umrah visas booked through Nusuk directly generally take a few business days, while those processed through a travel agency can take anywhere from a few days up to two weeks depending on the agency and season. Applying well in advance of your intended travel dates, particularly during Ramadan or school holiday periods, is generally advisable.
The Hajj Season Blackout Period
The multiple-entry Umrah visa will not be activated during the Hajj season, which runs from the first day of Dhu Al-Qi'dah through the 13th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah on the Islamic calendar. If you're planning multiple visits using this visa, you'll need to schedule them outside this window, since dates shift each year according to the lunar calendar. Check the Nusuk platform for the exact dates for the current Hijri year before planning your trips.
Booking Rules You Need to Know
Every entry on the multiple-entry visa requires a fresh accommodation booking made through Nusuk or an approved provider, complete with a valid Booking Reference Number. Independent reservations made through general booking platforms are not accepted as part of the Umrah visa process. If you or a visiting family member already has a hotel booking through a non-Nusuk platform, it will need to be re-booked through an approved channel to satisfy the visa requirements.
Umrah Visa vs. Umrah Permit — What's the Difference
These two terms often get confused, but they cover different steps. The Umrah visa, whether the new multiple-entry version, a dedicated Umrah visa, or a tourist eVisa that permits Umrah, is what allows you to legally enter Saudi Arabia. The Umrah permit is a separate, additional requirement booked through the Nusuk app that schedules your actual visit to perform rituals such as Tawaf and Sa'i at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, and to visit Al Rawdah Al Sharifah at the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.
Holding a valid visa does not automatically grant entry to these sites; you still need to book the Nusuk permit before or during your trip. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that holders of various visa types, including personal, family, transit, and e-visas, can perform Umrah, but all pilgrims are encouraged to secure their Nusuk permit and follow the designated time slots for rituals.
Overstay, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
If you stay in Saudi Arabia beyond your visa's permitted period, you risk fines and other penalties, and Saudi authorities have reiterated at the end of recent Umrah seasons that overstaying is strictly enforced. Penalty amounts and enforcement can vary depending on the specific visa type, how long the overstay lasts, and current Ministry policy, so contact Nusuk, your travel agent, or check the Absher and Muqeem platforms directly for the exact penalty that applies to your situation.
As of recent policy, a grace period has been introduced for certain expired visit-category visas, allowing travelers to exit the country within a set window after expiry without immediate penalty, though overdue fines may still apply and re-entry is typically not permitted during this window. Since these rules are updated periodically, always confirm the current grace period and any applicable fines directly with Nusuk or your travel agent before your visa's validity ends.
For cancellations or refunds on a booked Umrah package, policies vary by service provider and are set by the individual agent or platform you booked through, not by a single fixed government rule. Contact your travel agency or the Nusuk platform directly to confirm their specific cancellation and refund terms before booking.
If You're an Expat Living in Saudi Arabia — What This Means for Visiting Family
If you're a resident in Saudi Arabia and want to invite parents, siblings, or other relatives to visit for Umrah, this new visa gives them more flexibility to make more than one trip within a year without starting the visa process over each time. That said, a few points are worth keeping in mind.
Your family member applies as an individual pilgrim, the same as anyone else outside Saudi Arabia. As a resident, you cannot host or sponsor them informally, since the Host Umrah scheme that once allowed this has been discontinued.
If your relatives want to combine Umrah with general tourism or an extended family visit, the tourist eVisa, which also permits Umrah, or a family visit visa may be a better fit than the dedicated Umrah visa, depending on their plans. A licensed travel agency can help you compare which route suits your family's specific situation. Contact directly to confirm eligibility, since requirements can vary by your relative's nationality and current Ministry guidance.
Getting Help From a Licensed Travel Agency in Saudi Arabia
If you'd rather have a professional manage the Nusuk booking, permits, and accommodation on your behalf, several licensed travel and tourism agencies are listed on ArabLocal across major Saudi cities:
- Sahab Travel And Tourism Agency, Riyadh — +966 114125000
- Traveler Club, Riyadh — +966 550125343
- Kanoo Travel, Jeddah
- ITL World Travel Management Company, Al Khobar
- Global Travel Solutions, Dammam
- The Golden International Travel Agency, Al Madinah Al Munawarah
You can browse the full directory of travel and tourism agencies across Saudi Arabia on ArabLocal's Travel and Tourism Agencies category page for options closer to your city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the multiple-entry Umrah visa be used for Hajj?
No. The visa is specifically for Umrah and will not be active during the Hajj season. Hajj requires a separate visa processed through an authorized Hajj-approved agent.
Can the visa be extended beyond 365 days?
Based on current Ministry guidance, the visa is valid for a fixed 365-day period from issuance. Contact Nusuk or a licensed agent directly to confirm whether extensions are possible in specific circumstances.
What happens if I exceed the 90-day cumulative stay limit?
The 90 days is calculated across all visits combined during the visa's validity period, not per trip. Once the cumulative allowance is used, you would need to wait until the visa's 365-day validity resets or reapply, depending on current Ministry rules. Confirm directly with Nusuk for your specific situation.
Can GCC residents' family members use this visa?
GCC citizens generally do not need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Non-GCC nationals residing in GCC countries, including expats, typically still need to apply for the appropriate visa. Contact Nusuk or a licensed agent to confirm requirements based on your relative's nationality and residency.
Is the multiple-entry Umrah visa free?
No. It carries the standard Umrah visa fee plus mandatory insurance, generally totaling around SAR 400 to SAR 480, though this is often bundled into a larger service package price. Contact your provider for an exact quote.
Can minors apply for this visa independently?
No. Minors must travel with a parent or legal guardian, with their details linked to the adult's application.
