Last Updated: September 2026
Saudi Arabia has introduced an important new development for international Umrah pilgrims in 2026. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for 365 days, allowing eligible pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia multiple times during the visa validity period, with a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days.
This is one of the most significant changes to the Saudi Umrah visa system in 2026 and could make repeat Umrah travel much easier for eligible international pilgrims.
In this article, we explain the latest Umrah visa 2026 rules, the new multiple-entry visa, Nusuk requirements, the application process, important Hajj-season restrictions, and what pilgrims should know before making their travel plans.
What Is the Latest Umrah Visa Update for 2026?
The biggest Umrah visa update in 2026 is the introduction of a 365-day multiple-entry Umrah visa.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the new visa on July 20, 2026.
The visa:
- Is valid for 365 days from the date of issuance
- Allows multiple entries into Saudi Arabia
- Allows a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days
- Is designed to make repeated Umrah visits easier
- Forms part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to improve the pilgrim experience and facilitate international arrivals.
Important clarification
A 365-day visa does not mean that a pilgrim can stay in Saudi Arabia continuously for one year.
The visa validity is one year, but the permitted stay is up to 90 days in total.
For example, a pilgrim could potentially make more than one visit during the visa's validity, provided the applicable visa and Umrah requirements are met.
What Does the New 1-Year Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa Mean?
Previously, many pilgrims primarily viewed an Umrah visa as a single pilgrimage travel arrangement.
The new multiple-entry option creates a different possibility for eligible travelers.
Instead of arranging a completely new visa for every visit, an eligible pilgrim can have a visa that remains valid for one year and permits multiple entries, subject to the applicable rules.
This could be particularly useful for:
- Muslims who travel frequently to Saudi Arabia
- People who have family in Saudi Arabia
- Frequent international travelers
- Pilgrims who want to perform Umrah more than once
- Travelers who want to combine multiple Saudi visits within the visa validity period
However, pilgrims should not assume that the visa itself automatically gives unlimited access to every religious site or removes other Saudi entry and permit requirements.
Is the 1-Year Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa Available to Every Country?
This is one of the most important questions.
The Saudi announcement concerns the new multiple-entry Umrah visa for international pilgrims, but visa eligibility and application procedures can still depend on nationality, residence status, visa category, and the applicable Saudi system.
Therefore, it is not accurate to say:
“Every passport in the world automatically qualifies for exactly the same 1-year Umrah visa.”
Saudi Arabia already has different visa pathways for different nationalities and travelers.
For example, Saudi Arabia has an established visitor eVisa system for eligible nationalities, and the Saudi government has previously expanded that system to include religious travel for Umrah.
For pilgrims who are not eligible for a particular Saudi eVisa route, the appropriate Umrah visa/service-provider route may apply.
Always check the current eligibility for your passport before booking flights or making non-refundable arrangements.
What Is Nusuk Umrah?
Another major part of the modern Saudi Umrah system is Nusuk.
Saudi Arabia has developed Nusuk as a digital platform for international pilgrims, with services designed to simplify Umrah travel and related arrangements.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also introduced Nusuk Umrah, an online service intended for international Umrah performers to simplify visa and travel bookings.
The official Ministry of Hajj and Umrah portal currently lists Nusuk among its key digital services for pilgrims.
Does Having an Umrah Visa Mean You Can Perform Umrah Anytime?
Not necessarily.
This is an important distinction for first-time travelers.
A visa allows a person to enter Saudi Arabia according to the conditions of that visa. However, Umrah-related permits, booking requirements, seasonal restrictions, and access rules can still apply.
Saudi Arabia imposes special restrictions around the Hajj season because of the enormous number of pilgrims in Makkah.
Therefore, pilgrims should always check the current Nusuk and Saudi Ministry requirements before traveling.
What Happens During Hajj Season?
The Hajj period is different from the normal Umrah season.
Saudi authorities can introduce restrictions on:
- Umrah permits
- Makkah entry
- Visit visas
- Access to certain areas
- Movement during the Hajj preparation and Hajj period
These restrictions are designed to manage the huge number of pilgrims traveling to Makkah for Hajj.
For this reason, someone holding a valid Saudi visa should not assume that the visa guarantees unrestricted access to Makkah during Hajj season.
Can I Enter Saudi Arabia Multiple Times With the New Umrah Visa?
Yes, the newly announced visa is specifically a multiple-entry visa.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, it is valid for 365 days and allows multiple entries, with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days.
This is an important difference from a single-entry visa.
However, every trip must comply with the rules applicable at the time of travel.
How Many Days Can I Stay in Saudi Arabia?
The new visa has two separate time limits:
Visa validity:
365 days
Maximum cumulative stay:
90 days
These numbers should not be confused.
A 365-day visa does not mean:
“You can stay in Saudi Arabia for 365 days.”
Instead, it means the visa remains valid for one year, while the total permitted stay under the announced visa is up to 90 days.
Can I Perform Umrah More Than Once With the 1-Year Visa?
The multiple-entry structure makes repeated visits possible for eligible travelers.
However, pilgrims must follow the applicable Nusuk and Umrah permit/service requirements for their visits.
Therefore, it is better to think of the new visa as:
One-year visa validity + multiple entries + maximum cumulative stay of 90 days
rather than:
One-year unlimited Umrah permission.
Umrah Visa 2026: What About Bangladesh?
Bangladeshi Muslims should pay particular attention to the distinction between:
visa validity,
visa eligibility,
Nusuk arrangements, and
Umrah permit requirements.
Bangladeshi passport holders should not assume that the introduction of the 365-day multiple-entry visa automatically means every Bangladeshi applicant will receive that exact visa type.
The correct route can depend on the applicant's passport, eligibility, service arrangement and the Saudi visa system applicable at the time of application.
For Bangladesh-based pilgrims, it is therefore important to use an appropriate authorized Umrah service provider and verify the current Saudi requirements before payment and travel.
What About India, Pakistan and Other Countries?
The same principle applies to pilgrims from India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, countries in Europe, GCC countries, and other parts of the world.
There is no single rule that should be applied blindly to every passport.
Saudi Arabia has different visa pathways, and eligibility can depend on:
- Nationality
- Current country of residence
- Existing Saudi visa status
- Type of Saudi visa
- Eligibility for Saudi eVisa
- Umrah service arrangements
- Current seasonal restrictions
Therefore, travelers should verify the specific visa route applicable to their passport before purchasing travel arrangements.
2026 Umrah Visa: What Documents May Be Required?
The exact requirements can vary depending on the visa route, nationality, and application method.
Travelers should generally be prepared to provide information such as:
- Valid passport
- Passport-size photograph where required
- Visa/application information
- Accommodation details where applicable
- Travel information
- Required Umrah service arrangements
- Health or insurance documentation where applicable
- Additional information requested by the Saudi authorities or authorized service provider
Requirements can change, so applicants should verify the current official requirements before submitting an application.
Should You Book Your Flight Before Getting the Visa?
It is generally safer to confirm your visa eligibility and application requirements before making non-refundable travel arrangements.
This is especially important because visa rules, seasonal restrictions and entry requirements can change.
For an Umrah journey, your preparation should ideally follow this order:
Check eligibility → confirm visa route → complete required arrangements → obtain visa → confirm travel → prepare for Umrah.
2026 Umrah Visa: Important Things Pilgrims Should Remember
1. A 1-year visa does not mean a 1-year stay
The new multiple-entry visa is valid for 365 days, but the announced maximum cumulative stay is 90 days.
2. Multiple-entry does not mean unrestricted entry
Every entry must comply with the applicable Saudi immigration and Umrah requirements.
3. Nusuk is increasingly important
Saudi Arabia's digital pilgrimage ecosystem is playing a major role in Umrah services and pilgrim management.
4. Hajj-season rules are different
A valid visa should not be treated as automatic permission to enter Makkah during restricted Hajj periods.
5. Rules can differ by nationality
Do not assume that a visa route available to one passport is automatically available to another.
Frequently Asked Questions About Umrah Visa 2026
Is Saudi Arabia issuing Umrah visas in 2026?
Yes. Saudi Arabia's Umrah system is operating for the current 1448 AH season, subject to the applicable seasonal rules and visa procedures.
Is there a 1-year Umrah visa in 2026?
Yes. Saudi Arabia launched a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for 365 days, with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days.
Can I enter Saudi Arabia multiple times?
The new visa is specifically a multiple-entry visa, subject to its conditions and the rules applicable to each trip.
Can I stay for one year?
No. The visa may be valid for 365 days, but the announced cumulative stay limit is 90 days.
Can every nationality get the same Umrah visa?
Not necessarily. Visa eligibility and application routes can differ by nationality, residence and visa category.
Is Nusuk important for Umrah?
Yes. Nusuk is an important part of Saudi Arabia's digital pilgrimage system, and Nusuk Umrah provides services for international pilgrims.
Final Update
The Saudi Umrah visa system in 2026 is becoming more flexible and increasingly digital.
The biggest announcement is the launch of the 365-day multiple-entry Umrah visa, allowing eligible pilgrims multiple entries with a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days.
At the same time, pilgrims need to understand that visa validity, entry permission, Umrah permits, Nusuk services, and Hajj-season restrictions are separate considerations.
If you are planning Umrah in 2026 or 2027, do not rely on older information from previous years. Check the latest Saudi requirements for your specific nationality and visa route before booking your trip.