The Saudi Arabian government has shortened the duration of the Umrah entry visa from three months to one month from the date of issuance. However, according to authorities from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah cited by Al-Arabiya, the validity time for the stay following the pilgrim's arrival in Saudi Arabia is still three months.
Since the 2018 Umrah season began in early June, more than four million visas have been granted to overseas pilgrims. Thus, in comparison to past seasons, this year's Umrah season is breaking the record for the number of international pilgrims in just five months.
The Umrah visa rules have been modified by the government in this respect. If the pilgrim does not register to enter Saudi Arabia, the Umrah visa will be revoked 30 days after it is issued, under the revised restrictions. The new rules will take effect starting next week, according to the sources.
Ahmed Bajaeifer, advisor to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, explained that the move comes as part of the ministry’s efforts to manage the expected rise in Umrah pilgrims following the end of summer and the onset of cooler weather in Makkah and Madinah. The decision aims to ease congestion in the two holy cities.
