New visa for travel to Saudi Arabia: a one-year, multiple-entry visa with a 90-day stay limit

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new visa format for Muslim pilgrims, valid for one year and allowing for multiple entries. The updated rules provide more flexibility in planning the Umrah and include a transition to digital services via the Nusuk platform. Learn more about the requirements for obtaining the new visa, stay restrictions, and how to use it

Saudi Arabia has updated its entry rules for Muslim pilgrims and introduced a new type of visa for performing the Umrah. Believers can now obtain a one-year multiple-entry visa, allowing them to plan their spiritual journey at times that are convenient for them throughout the year.

We’ll cover the requirements for obtaining the visa, key restrictions, and practical details regarding its use later in this article.

👉 Planning to perform Umrah but not sure where to start with the paperwork?

The immigration guide from the Visit World portal contains the latest entry rules for Saudi Arabia, a list of required documents, and step-by-step recommendations for pilgrims.

Why has Saudi Arabia updated its rules for pilgrims?

The Kingdom is gradually changing its approach to religious tourism and shifting its focus toward digital services. Previously, each trip for Umrah required a separate visa, which complicated logistics for pilgrims who wished to visit the holy cities several times a year.

The updated visa policy is designed primarily for Muslims who, due to family, professional, or personal circumstances, cannot stay in the country for an extended period. This format makes it possible to spread the pilgrimage over several shorter visits.

The Kingdom’s authorities also view this innovation as part of a broader modernization of the tourism infrastructure and the transition to using the official digital platform, Nusuk.

Key Features of the 365-Day Umrah Visa

The new visa has clearly defined terms of use that should be taken into account when planning your trip. The one-year validity period is combined with a limit on the total number of days of actual stay in the country.

Key features of the visa:

• Validity period — 365 days from the date of issuance, allowing for flexible scheduling of pilgrimage dates;
• Number of entries — unlimited within the visa’s validity period;
• Total stay — no more than 90 days in total across all visits;
• Mandatory service — a separate package via the Nusuk platform before each trip;
• Renewal after departure — the visa remains active for subsequent trips;
• Restriction period—entry is prohibited during the Hajj season.

Once the 90-day limit has been exhausted, the document becomes invalid, even if the annual validity period has not yet expired.

Aboutthe work permit in Saudi Arabia for 2026—read more at the link.

The Role of the Nusuk Platform in the Pilgrimage Process

Having a visa alone does not grant the right to perform Umrah—pilgrims need a separate permit, which is obtained through the Nusuk platform. Before each trip, you must rebook a service package and receive confirmation for specific dates.

Through the service, travelers select a hotel, transportation, the times of their visits to Mecca and Medina, as well as other related services. This approach allows the authorities to control the flow of pilgrims and prevent overcrowding at the holy sites.

The platform has become an essential part of the religious journey, so it is impossible to perform the Umrah rituals without registering in the system, even with a valid visa.

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Entry Restrictions During the Hajj Season

The annual Umrah visa is not valid during the official Hajj period. Entry using this document is prohibited from the 1st of the month of Dhu al-Qadah through the 13th of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah according to the Islamic calendar.

During this period, separate rules apply for pilgrims arriving specifically to perform the Hajj. For this category of believers, special quotas, separate visa documents, and a dedicated application process through authorized organizations are in place.

Pilgrims planning to travel during these dates should contact official representatives in advance to obtain the necessary permits.

See also: Saudi Arabia Opens the 2026–2027 Umrah Season.

What does the new visa offer pilgrims from other countries?

The annual multiple-entry visa makes it possible to split the pilgrimage into several stages. For example, a pilgrim can make the first trip in the winter, return to family or work commitments, and later travel to the holy sites again—without having to go through the visa process a second time.

This format is convenient for those who plan extended vacations at different times of the year or combine their pilgrimage with business trips to the Gulf region. Additionally, spreading out the stay reduces the financial burden by taking advantage of seasonal rates for flights and accommodations.

For Ukrainians interested in performing the Umrah, this update means greater freedom in planning their spiritual journey and a simplification of administrative procedures.

Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia?

A specialized immigration guide from the Visit World portal will help you navigate visa formalities, document requirements, and the specifics of staying in the Kingdom. It contains up-to-date entry rules, step-by-step instructions for preparing documents, and tips for adjusting to life in the country.

👉 Order a personalized immigration guide from Visit World and get all the information you need for a safe and comfortable trip to Saudi Arabia!

Reminder! In our previous article, we reported that Saudi Arabia is introducing mandatory rules on Red Sea beaches starting in 2026.

Photo: Magnific

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