Saudi Arabia: Ministry of Hajj to multi-visa pilgrims: Visa validity does not exempt you from booking remaining services

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that umrah visitors holding multiple-entry visas must book service packages through approved service providers. The ministry stated on its X account that the validity of the visa does not exempt holders from booking the remaining services.

In July last year, the Ministry of Hajj announced the launch of the multiple-entry umrah visa, which allows holders to enter the Kingdom multiple times during its 365-day validity period from the date of issue, with a total stay of up to 90 days within the visa’s validity period. This move aims to facilitate the umrah journey and provide more flexible options for planning visits and performing umrah.

The ministry clarified that utilizing the visa requires purchasing a service package from an approved service provider within the “Nusuk” system for each visit, provided that the package duration does not exceed the remaining and available days on the visa, while adhering to the regulations governing the durations of programs and services provided to umrah visitors. It added that entry into the Kingdom under the visa is contingent upon obtaining an umrah permit via the “Nusuk” app before arrival, aligning the permit date with the approved package dates, and meeting the eligibility requirements for travel and entry.

The ministry noted that the process for the first visit begins with purchasing a service package through one of the available package providers in the “Nusuk” system, followed by submitting an application for the visa and completing its processing with the relevant authorities. Travel eligibility is verified before the holder boards the plane, and entry data is recorded upon arrival and updated upon departure, including the calculation of the remaining stay duration.