As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia prepares to welcome Umrah pilgrims in 2025, a series of significant updates have been introduced to the Umrah visa validity policies. These changes, designed to enhance the overall experience for devotees, aim to strike a delicate balance between accessibility and logistical efficiency.
Umrah Visa Validity: A Crucial Consideration
The most crucial aspect of the new regulations revolves around the Umrah visa validity. In a marked departure from previous years, Umrah visas issued in 2025 will only be valid until April 13, 2025. This means that Umrah pilgrims must ensure their arrival in Saudi Arabia before this critical deadline.
Strict Entry and Exit Deadlines
Umrah pilgrims must take note of the following deadlines:
Final Date for Entry into Saudi Arabia for Umrah
Umrah pilgrims must ensure their arrival in Saudi Arabia by Sunday, 15 Shawwal 1446 AH (April 13, 2025). After this date, entry will no longer be permitted for those undertaking Umrah visa validity.
Deadline for Exiting Saudi Arabia
All Umrah pilgrims and temporary visa holders from 14 specific countries are required to depart Saudi Arabia by Tuesday, 1 Dhul Qadah 1446 AH (April 29, 2025). This strict timeline is crucial for adhering to the Umrah pilgrimage schedule.
Temporary Visa Suspension for 14 Countries
As part of its efforts to regulate travel ahead of the Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of new short-term visas, including business, e-tourist, and family visit visas, for citizens of 14 countries. These countries are: India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya. However, travelers from these countries with valid visas can enter the Kingdom until April 13, 2025.
Regulation for Entering to Makkah
Commencing on April 23, 2025, access to the holy city of Makkah will be strictly regulated. Only individuals with a valid work permit, a residency ID (Iqāma) confirming employment in Makkah, or a Hajj visa will be granted entry.
Last Date to Perform Umrah
The Umrah permits will be temporarily suspended from April 29, 2025, until June 10, 2025. During this period, access to Umrah services through the “Nusuk” platform will be restricted, affecting all potential pilgrims. It’s crucial to note that entry into Makkah without a valid permit will not be permitted after April 22, 2025.
Prohibition on Staying in Makkah
As of April 29, 2025, individuals holding any type of Umrah visa validity not specifically associated with the Hajj will be banned from entering or staying in Makkah. This measure aims to preserve the spiritual and logistical integrity of the pilgrimage experience for authorized participants.
Conclusion
These comprehensive updates to Saudi Arabia’s Umrah visa policies for 2025 underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to balancing accessibility, spiritual preservation, and logistical efficiency. Potential Umrah pilgrims are advised to familiarize themselves with these regulations and plan their journeys accordingly to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.
1: What is the final date for Umrah pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia?
According to the new regulations, Umrah pilgrims must ensure their arrival in Saudi Arabia by Sunday, 15 Shawwal 1446 AH (April 13, 2025). After this date, entry will no longer be permitted for those undertaking Umrah.
2: When is the deadline for Umrah pilgrims and temporary visa holders to exit Saudi Arabia?
All Umrah pilgrims and temporary visa holders from the 14 specified countries must depart Saudi Arabia by Tuesday, 1 Dhul Qadah 1446 AH (April 29, 2025). This strict deadline is crucial for adhering to the Umrah pilgrimage timeline.
3: Which countries are affected by the temporary visa suspension?
Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of new short-term visas, including business, e-tourist, and family visit visas, for citizens of 14 countries: India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya.
4: What are the regulations for entering Makkah in 2025?
Commencing on April 23, 2025, access to the holy city of Makkah will be strictly regulated. Only individuals with a valid work permit, a residency ID (Iqāma) confirming employment in Makkah, or a Hajj visa will be granted entry.
5: When will Umrah visa validity be temporarily suspended, and how will this affect potential pilgrims?
The Umrah permits will be temporarily suspended from April 29, 2025 until June 10, 2025. During this period, access to Umrah services through the “Nusuk” platform will be restricted, affecting all potential pilgrims. It’s important to note that entry into Makkah without a valid permit will not be permitted after April 22, 2025.
