Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced a significant change in the expiry date for Umrah visas for foreign pilgrims. The new expiry date for Umrah visas has been set as Dhul Qadah 15, replacing the previous date of Dhul Qadah 29. This change is part of the government’s efforts to ensure a smooth flow of pilgrims to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah during the annual pilgrimage of Hajj.
According to the Saudi Gazette, the validity of the three-month Umrah visa will now begin from the date of issuance instead of the previously approved validity from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. The ministry clarified this change in response to a number of inquiries made through its X platform.
The new expiry date of Dhul Qadah 15 was approved two weeks earlier than the previously announced expiry date of Dhul Qadah 29, emphasizing the government’s commitment to streamlining the pilgrimage process for foreign pilgrims.
The validity of the Umrah visa is now three months from the date of its issuance, provided that it expires no later than Dhul Qadah 15. This change is in accordance with the coordination made between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.