Saudi Arabia Shortens Umrah Entry Visa Validity to One Month

Saudi Arabia has reduced the validity period for Umrah entry visas from three months to one month from the date of issuance, according to the Saudi Gazette.

Despite the shorter entry period, the allowed stay for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia remains unchanged at three months, Al-Arabiya reported, citing sources from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

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According to the Saudi Gazette, since the start of the new Umrah season in early June, more than four million visas have been issued to foreign pilgrims, setting a record for the first five months of the season compared with previous years.

Under the amended regulations, the Umrah visa will be cancelled 30 days after issuance if the pilgrim has not registered to enter Saudi Arabia. The changes are set to take effect next week.

Maldivians frequently travel for Umrah, with many dedicated groups assisting the pilgrims.