A three-month validity period is now the norm for Umrah visas issued by Saudi Arabia.

Post by : Kanchan Chandel

Photo-Reuters

As the pilgrimage season approaches, prospective travelers preparing for the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca must be aware of the recent changes in the visa rules. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that the Umrah visa will now have a validity period of three months (90 days) from the month of issuance. This adjustment aims to facilitate the preparations for the upcoming Hajj season, scheduled from June 14 to June 19.

It's essential to distinguish between the Umrah visa and the regular tourist visa for Saudi Arabia. While the tourist visa allows multiple entries and is valid for 90 days, the Umrah visa is a single-entry visa, also valid for a maximum of 90 days. Under the previous visa rule, the 90-day validity period for the Umrah visa commenced upon entry into Saudi Arabia. However, with the recent change, the validity period now starts from the day of issuance, enabling travelers to plan their pilgrimage accordingly.

Travelers holding an Umrah visa should adhere to the visa regulations strictly. The visa is specifically for pilgrimage purposes and does not permit engagement in activities unrelated to pilgrimage or employment opportunities within Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasizes the importance of respecting the visa rules, avoiding misuse, and ensuring departure from the country before the visa expiration date.

It's crucial to understand the distinction between Hajj and Umrah. While both are pilgrimages, Hajj is obligatory for Muslims and occurs during a specific season each year, beginning from June 14 to June 19 in 2024. In contrast, Umrah can be performed at any time during the Islamic calendar. The Saudi tourist eVisa caters to various tourism-related activities, including Umrah, but excludes participation in Hajj rituals. For Hajj, travelers must obtain a separate Saudi Hajj visa, with the issuance deadline set for April 29, 2024.

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