UAE Alongside UK, Malaysia, Türkiye, Egypt, Iraq and More Enter Saudi Arabia’s Next-Generation Umrah Travel Era as New One-Year Multiple Entry Visa Reshapes Global Pilgrimage Connections with Makkah and Madinah

Written By: Binoy Mehera

Binoy Mehera

A curious mind driven by a passion for storytelling, I find inspiration in uncovering hidden perspectives, exploring diverse experiences, and shaping ideas into narratives that leave an impact. With three years of experience in journalism and content creation, I have developed a strong instinct for identifying meaningful stories, blending research with creativity, and presenting information in a way that connects with readers. My storytelling journey is guided by a fascination for culture, travel, lifestyle, and the human experiences that define our world. I aim to create narratives that not only inform but also spark curiosity, evoke emotions, and offer audiences a deeper understanding of every story.

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July 20, 2026 6:48 PM

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Saudi Arabia has entered a new phase of global pilgrimage tourism by introducing a one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, allowing travellers from key markets including the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Türkiye, Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, Indonesia and India to make repeated journeys to the Kingdom within a 365-day period. The new visa framework is reshaping international Umrah travel by offering greater flexibility, reducing repeated application barriers and strengthening connections between millions of pilgrims and the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

The initiative comes as Saudi Arabia witnesses unprecedented growth in international Umrah demand, with more than 1.27 million overseas pilgrims arriving within the first six weeks of the new Umrah season. By allowing multiple visits with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days, the Kingdom is transforming Umrah from a single pilgrimage journey into a more accessible, year-round religious travel experience. The move also supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambition to expand tourism infrastructure, improve pilgrimage services and establish the country as a leading global destination for faith-based travel.

The new visa initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s wider Vision 2030 objectives by making pilgrimage travel more accessible, improving visitor services and strengthening the country’s position as a leading global religious tourism destination.

Unlike previous arrangements that often required separate applications for different journeys, the multiple-entry system provides eligible travellers with the ability to plan repeated visits throughout the year while following Saudi Arabia’s established pilgrimage regulations.

A new era of repeat pilgrimage begins with year-round travel flexibility

The multiple-entry Umrah visa introduces a new approach to managing international pilgrimage movement. Travellers holding the visa can enter Saudi Arabia several times during its validity period, provided they do not exceed the permitted cumulative stay limit.

The visa allows pilgrims to remain in the Kingdom for a total of up to 90 days across all visits combined. This structure provides flexibility for travellers who want to perform Umrah during different periods of the year, including religious occasions outside the Hajj season.

Each visit requires pilgrims to complete mandatory procedures, including obtaining an Umrah permit through the Nusuk platform and purchasing a service package from an approved provider.

The introduction of this system reflects Saudi Arabia’s increasing reliance on digital solutions to manage pilgrimage operations and improve the experience of international visitors.

Hajj season controls maintain balance between Umrah and major pilgrimage operations

While the new visa creates greater travel freedom, Saudi Arabia has maintained strict restrictions during the annual Hajj period.

The multiple-entry Umrah visa will not be valid during the Hajj season, when millions of registered pilgrims arrive in Makkah for one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.

The suspension period is expected to cover the period from the first day of Dhu Al-Qi’dah until the 13th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah. During this time, Saudi authorities focus on managing accommodation availability, transportation networks, security operations and movement around the Holy Sites.

The separation between Umrah and Hajj travel ensures that both pilgrimage systems can operate efficiently while maintaining safety standards for visitors.

Pakistan Indonesia and Iraq dominate international Umrah demand as global interest rises

The launch of the new visa comes during a period of strong international interest in Umrah travel.

Pakistan currently represents the largest overseas source market, with around 200,000 pilgrims arriving during the opening six weeks of the new season.

Indonesia followed with approximately 170,000 arrivals, while Iraq recorded around 130,000 pilgrims.

Pakistan’s position as a leading Umrah market is supported by its large Muslim population, established travel operators and extensive air connectivity with Saudi Arabia.

The country’s major cities, including Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, continue to generate significant pilgrimage traffic through regular connections to Jeddah and Madinah.

Indonesia remains a powerful market because of its population size and organised religious travel sector. Indonesian travellers frequently use specialised Umrah packages that combine transportation, accommodation and pilgrimage services.

Iraq’s geographical closeness to Saudi Arabia and strong religious connections continue to support consistent pilgrimage demand.

India and Southeast Asia emerge as important growth markets for Saudi religious tourism

The new visa model could significantly influence future travel patterns from several high-potential markets.

India is expected to become one of the most important beneficiaries of the flexible visa system. With one of the world’s largest Muslim populations, India generates substantial demand for Umrah travel every year.

Cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kochi remain major departure points for Indian pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.

The ability to make repeated visits within a year could encourage more family groups, elderly travellers and frequent pilgrims to choose Saudi Arabia for spiritual journeys.

Bangladesh also represents a growing market, supported by increasing outbound travel demand and strong religious connections.

Malaysia, another important Southeast Asian market, has a well-established Umrah travel industry and could experience increased demand as travellers gain easier access to repeat visits.

Gulf countries gain new opportunities through shorter pilgrimage journeys

The new visa system could also strengthen travel connections between Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Gulf countries.

Residents of the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman already benefit from shorter travel distances and convenient transportation links.

The multiple-entry system may encourage more frequent pilgrimage journeys, including shorter religious trips throughout the year.

Improved road networks and regional aviation connectivity make Saudi Arabia increasingly accessible for Gulf residents seeking flexible Umrah experiences.

Aviation industry prepares for increased pilgrimage travel demand

Air transport remains the backbone of international Umrah movement, accounting for approximately 75% of overseas pilgrim arrivals.

The new visa policy could create additional opportunities for airlines connecting Saudi Arabia with major markets across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America.

Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport remains the primary gateway for pilgrims travelling to Makkah, while Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah serves visitors arriving for religious visits to the Prophet’s Mosque.

Higher pilgrimage activity could benefit airlines, airport operators, travel agencies and ground transportation providers.

The development may also encourage carriers to introduce more competitive pilgrimage-focused travel packages.

Hospitality investment accelerates as Makkah and Madinah prepare for future growth

Saudi Arabia’s expanding pilgrimage ambitions are closely connected with major hospitality development.

The Kingdom continues to increase hotel capacity across Makkah and Madinah to support rising visitor numbers.

International hotel groups are strengthening their presence, while new accommodation projects are being developed near key religious destinations.

Accor’s planned second Ibis hotel in east Makkah, expected to open in 2031, reflects continued investment confidence in the future growth of religious tourism.

The expansion of hotels, transport services and digital platforms is creating a complete ecosystem designed to support millions of pilgrims every year.

Saudi Arabia positions Umrah as a global year-round tourism powerhouse

The introduction of the multiple-entry Umrah visa represents a major evolution in Saudi Arabia’s approach to religious tourism.

By combining flexible travel access, digital pilgrimage management, aviation expansion and hospitality investment, the Kingdom is building a more connected global Umrah network.

The policy is expected to strengthen links with major Muslim travel markets, including Pakistan, Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Gulf countries.

As international demand continues to rise, Saudi Arabia is positioning Umrah not only as a spiritual journey but also as a major pillar of its long-term tourism transformation under Vision 2030.