Riyadh, Aug 17 (V7N)- Saudi Arabia has introduced additional requirements for holders of its one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, making it mandatory to book an approved service package and obtain an Umrah permit before every entry into the country.

According to Gulf News, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the new requirements on Sunday.

Under the rules, multiple-entry Umrah visa holders must purchase a service package from an approved Umrah service provider through the Nusuk platform before each trip. They must also obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before travelling to Saudi Arabia.

The multiple-entry Umrah visa, introduced in July, remains valid for 365 days from the date of issuance and allows holders to enter Saudi Arabia multiple times. However, their total stay during the visa's validity period cannot exceed 90 days.

New requirements for every visit

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said that although the visa remains valid for one year, pilgrims must complete certain procedures for every entry.

For each visit:

  • A new approved Umrah service package must be purchased through Nusuk.

  • The package's validity cannot exceed the remaining validity of the visa.

  • A new Umrah permit must be obtained through the Nusuk app.

  • The date on the Umrah permit must correspond with the date specified in the service package.

  • All other entry and travel requirements must also be fulfilled.

The ministry said the system is intended to give pilgrims greater flexibility in planning their Umrah journeys while ensuring that travel and pilgrimage arrangements are properly coordinated.

Procedure for first-time Umrah

For a first Umrah trip, pilgrims must initially purchase an approved service package through Nusuk. They can then complete the visa application and other required procedures with the relevant authorities.

The traveller's eligibility will be checked before departure.

Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, entry information will be recorded, followed by an update of exit information when the traveller leaves. This system will allow visa holders to track how much of their 90-day cumulative stay limit they have used and how much remains.

As a result, holders of the 365-day multiple-entry Umrah visa cannot simply enter Saudi Arabia directly on a subsequent visit. Each time they plan to perform Umrah, they must again book an approved service package and obtain a new Umrah permit.

END/SMA/AJ