Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a one-year, multiple-entry Umrah visa — a major convenience for pilgrims who want to perform Umrah more than once in a year without applying for a fresh visa each time. If you travel to Saudi Arabia frequently for Umrah, this could save you a lot of time and money.
Key features at a glance
- Validity: 365 days from the date of issue.
- Multiple entries: enter and exit the Kingdom several times during the year on the same visa.
- Total stay: up to 90 days cumulative — this is the total of all your visits combined during the year, not 90 days per visit.
- Purpose: performing Umrah, visiting the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, and general tourism within the Kingdom.
- Key restriction: it cannot be used to enter Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season.
Who is it best for?
It suits people who plan to visit for Umrah multiple times in a year — for example, expatriates working in nearby Gulf countries, or those who want the flexibility to travel whenever they can. For a single one-off Umrah trip, a standard single-entry Umrah visa may still be simpler.
How to apply
Applications are handled digitally through Nusuk, Saudi Arabia's official platform for international pilgrims (it lets you apply and book services directly, without an agent). The typical steps are:
- Create an account on the Nusuk app or website.
- Apply for the multiple-entry Umrah visa and complete your details.
- For each entry into the Kingdom, purchase an approved service package (accommodation/transport, etc.) through Nusuk before you travel.
- Once approved, you receive your visa digitally and can plan your trips within the 365-day window.
Umrah visa vs tourist visa — clear up the confusion
This one-year multiple-entry visa is an Umrah visa, applied for through Nusuk — it is not the tourist e-visa. This matters for Pakistani travellers: according to recent reports, the one-year multiple-entry tourist visa for Pakistani passport holders (and several other nationalities) was replaced with a single-entry visa of up to 30 days. So if you specifically want a one-year, multiple-entry option right now, the Umrah route is the one to look at. Always confirm the latest tourist-visa rules before planning a non-Umrah trip.
Tips before you apply
- Keep your passport valid for at least six months.
- Track your days carefully — the 90-day limit is cumulative across all visits.
- Plan around the Hajj season, when this visa is not valid for entry.
- Apply and book only through the official Nusuk platform to avoid scams.
Visa policies change frequently. Always verify the latest rules, fees and eligibility on the official Nusuk platform or the Saudi authorities before applying or booking travel.