Updated: 12 October 2026. For Indian Muslims planning Umrah, Saudi Arabia has reshaped pilgrimage travel. In July 2026, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced a one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa — a single visa covering several trips across a year. But the new Umrah visa carries precise rules on service packages, permits, and the Hajj season that every pilgrim must understand before booking.
The One-Year Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa: What Changed
Announced by the Saudi Press Agency on 20 July 2026, the new Umrah visa is valid for 365 days from issuance and allows multiple entries, with a combined stay of up to 90 days across all visits.
- One visa covers several Umrah trips within a year — no fresh visa application each time.
- The visa deactivates each time the pilgrim leaves and reactivates for the next visit once requirements are met.
- The change supports Saudi Vision 2030 — easier repeat visits and better service efficiency.
Rules for Every Umrah Visa Entry: Nusuk Package and Permit
The Ministry has clarified: a valid visa alone does not guarantee entry for every visit. Before each trip, pilgrims must:
- Buy a service package from an approved provider on the Nusuk platform — its length cannot exceed the days remaining on the visa.
- Obtain an Umrah permit on the Nusuk app before travelling, matching the service package dates.
- Meet all other Saudi entry requirements in force at the time of travel.
So the formula is: valid visa + Nusuk service package + Nusuk Umrah permit = a trip. Miss any one of the three and the journey cannot proceed.
Umrah on Other Visa Types: Tourist, Transit and More
A second major update from 2026: Saudi authorities now permit Umrah on any valid visa type — a standard tourist e-visa, family visit visa, business visa, or 96-hour transit visa.
Conditions remain:
- Regardless of visa category, every pilgrim must register on the Nusuk app and obtain a time-slotted Umrah permit. Entry to the Grand Mosque is managed digitally — no entry without the permit’s barcode.
- The long-standing mahram (male guardian) requirement has been abolished — women aged 18 and over can perform Umrah independently, meeting standard security and accommodation criteria.
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The Hajj Season Restriction You Must Know
This is the rule most travellers miss. The one-year Umrah visa will not be activated for entry during the Hajj season — from 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah until 13 Dhu al-Hijjah. The Ministry has warned pilgrims not to assume they can travel around Hajj 2027 on this visa.
- Hajj 2027 is expected around May, but exact dates depend on Saudi Arabia’s official Islamic-calendar determination — treat any date as provisional.
- The restriction does not shorten the 365-day validity; it only blocks entry during the Hajj window.
- Hajj itself needs the separate, official Hajj quota process — never an Umrah visa.
What Indian Pilgrims Should Do Next
Pick travel dates outside the Hajj-season blackout window, buy an approved Nusuk service package for your dates, apply for the multiple-entry Umrah visa, then get the time-slotted Nusuk permit before flying. Keep passport, package proof, and permit together — our document checklist guide shows how to organise them.
Before you pay anyone, verify the current position on the official Nusuk platform — and talk to Sunlight Holidays: Payment After Reach model — bhaari advance nahi, pehle bharosa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the new Umrah visa valid for one year?
Yes. As announced in July 2026, it is valid for 365 days from issuance, with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days across all visits.
Do I need a new visa for each Umrah trip?
No — but each visit needs a fresh Nusuk service package and Umrah permit.
Can I perform Umrah on a tourist or transit visa?
Yes — Umrah is permitted on any valid visa type, but the Nusuk permit is still mandatory.
Can I use the Umrah visa during Hajj?
No. It will not be activated from 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah to 13 Dhu al-Hijjah. Hajj needs the separate official Hajj process.
Do women need a mahram for Umrah now?
No — the mahram requirement has been abolished. Women aged 18 and above can perform Umrah independently.
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