Daijiworld Media Network – Riyadh
Riyadh, Jul 31: Saudi Arabia has introduced a new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, allowing eligible Muslims to perform the pilgrimage multiple times without applying for a fresh visa before every visit.
The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah under the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programme, aims to simplify religious travel for pilgrims across the world, including Indian citizens and Indian expatriates.
The new visa will remain valid for 365 days from the date of issuance and permits multiple entries into Saudi Arabia during this period. However, pilgrims can stay in the Kingdom for a maximum cumulative period of 90 days across all visits. The 90-day limit will not reset after each trip, and unused days will remain available until the visa expires.
The visa will not be valid during the annual Hajj season. It will be automatically suspended when a pilgrim leaves Saudi Arabia and reactivated before the next visit after fulfilling the required conditions.
The facility is available to Muslims of all nationalities, including Indian citizens and Indian expatriates living in countries such as the UAE, UK, US and Canada, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Applicants must first purchase an approved Umrah service package before applying for the visa. The application process begins through Saudi Arabia's Nusuk platform, where pilgrims can book authorised packages that may include visa processing, insurance, accommodation, transport and other services.
After approval, pilgrims must obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk application before travelling. Even though the visa remains valid for one year, a new permit and completion of required Nusuk procedures will be necessary before each visit.
According to reports, the overall cost of the Umrah visa depends on the package selected. Standard packages generally cost around Dh2,000 to Dh2,684, including accommodation, insurance, transport and visa-related services, while luxury packages may range between Dh5,000 and Dh7,000 depending on facilities provided.
Applicants are required to have a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport-sized photograph, confirmed return or onward travel tickets, accommodation details and a travel itinerary. UAE residents may also need to submit copies of their Emirates ID and residence visa.
The introduction of the multiple-entry visa is expected to benefit frequent pilgrims by allowing them to perform Umrah several times during the year without undergoing the complete visa application process for every visit. However, pilgrims must continue to follow Saudi Arabia's travel regulations and obtain necessary permits before each pilgrimage.