Saudi Arabia has introduced a major change for religious travel, and it is already drawing global attention in Europe news, ireland news and wider irish news coverage. The kingdom’s new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa gives pilgrims more flexibility to return several times within 12 months, a move designed to simplify planning and modernise the pilgrimage experience.
Announced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the visa is valid for 365 days from the date it is issued. During that period, pilgrims may enter Saudi Arabia multiple times to perform Umrah, provided their total stay does not exceed 90 days.
Europe news: What the new Saudi Umrah visa allows
The updated visa system is aimed at making repeat Umrah journeys easier for international travellers. Saudi authorities say the measure supports the country’s Vision 2030 strategy and the Pilgrim Experience Program, both of which focus on smoother arrivals, stronger digital services and improved visitor support.
Under the new rules, travellers must still meet several conditions before each trip. The visa does not work as an unrestricted travel document; instead, each visit must be tied to an approved Umrah booking.
- The visa remains valid for one full year from issuance
- Multiple entries are permitted within that period
- Total cumulative stay cannot exceed 90 days
- An Umrah package must be purchased through an approved provider
- Travellers must obtain an Umrah permit before arrival
All bookings and approvals are processed through the Nusuk Umrah platform, Saudi Arabia’s central digital portal for pilgrimage services, including visas, hotels, transport and flights.
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How the Nusuk platform and visa reactivation work
A key part of the new system is digital coordination. For every visit, pilgrims must buy an eligible Umrah service package through Nusuk, and the package length cannot be longer than the number of days left on the visa. They must also secure an Umrah permit before travelling.
Once a pilgrim completes Umrah and leaves Saudi Arabia, the visa becomes inactive. It can later be reactivated for another trip, as long as the traveller once again satisfies the required regulations. The visa will also remain inactive during the annual Hajj season.
Why this matters for pilgrims
The change offers greater planning freedom for people who may want to spread visits across the year rather than organise a single journey. It could also benefit families and older pilgrims who prefer shorter, more manageable trips.
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Umrah demand rises as Saudi Arabia expands pilgrimage access
Saudi Arabia says it has already welcomed 931,500 Umrah visa holders in 2026, up 22.5 per cent on the same period in 2025. The largest numbers of international pilgrims have come from Pakistan, Indonesia and Iraq, showing how demand for easier access continues to grow.
Umrah and Hajj: what is the difference?
Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage that can be performed throughout the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place only during the month of Dhul Hijjah. Hajj is a religious obligation once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able, while Umrah is shorter and can often be completed in just a few hours.
In 2025, Saudi Arabia hosted more than 1.5 million foreign Hajj pilgrims, with total participation exceeding 1.6 million when domestic pilgrims were included. That scale helps explain why authorities are investing heavily in digital systems and visa reform.
Conclusion
This Europe news development marks a significant shift in how Saudi Arabia manages religious tourism. The new multiple-entry Umrah visa gives pilgrims more flexibility, but it still requires approved bookings and permits through Nusuk. For readers following ireland news and irish news, the takeaway is clear: pilgrimage travel is becoming more digital, more structured and, for many, more accessible.
