Saudi Arabia Joins structured travel plan, aligning entry with new procedures

Published on October 31, 2025

Saudi Arabia has introduced a rule that changes how quickly one must enter the Kingdom after receiving an Umrah visa. The Hajj and Umrah announced that the entry validity of Umrah visas is now limited to one month from the date, with unused visas to be automatically cancelled after 30 days. The rule is designed to improve pilgrim management and travel coordination across the holy cities.

With millions expected to travel each year, the government aims to avoid overcrowding and visa misuse, keeping the experience more organized for those traveling from across the world.

Travel-angle impact: timing takes center stage

For travelers, this new rule tightens every link in the pilgrimage chain. Once a visa is granted, pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days or risk cancellation. Many travel operators already anticipate revising package schedules, aligning group departures more precisely with the 30-day rule to ensure no pilgrim misses the entry deadline.

Why Saudi Arabia is adopting the change

Shortening the entry period will also improve border control and resource allocation. When visas remain active but unused for long periods, it becomes harder for authorities to predict travel volume and manage accommodation demand. By requiring travelers to enter within one month, Saudi Arabia can forecast and prepare for pilgrim numbers with greater accuracy. The rule fits within broader digitization moves in Saudi Arabia’s pilgrimage management, including the Nusuk platform.

Conclusion: A more organized path to the holy cities

This policy change underscores a new phase in Saudi Arabia’s approach to managing religious tourism. By reducing the Umrah visa entry period to one month, the Kingdom is balancing spiritual access with practical order. While the window to enter has become narrower, the path remains clear—those who plan ahead will still find their journey to the holy cities smooth, organized, and deeply fulfilling.