Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has issued an important clarification regarding the one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, stating that visa holders cannot travel to the Kingdom for Umrah solely on the basis of having a valid visa. Under the new system, pilgrims must obtain a fresh service package and an Umrah permit before each new Umrah trip.

According to Gulf News, Saudi Arabia introduced the multiple-entry Umrah visa in July. The visa remains valid for 365 days from the date of issuance and allows eligible pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia more than once during its validity period. However, authorities have clarified that the visa does not give pilgrims unrestricted permission to travel to the Kingdom whenever they wish.

Under the new requirements, pilgrims must obtain a new service package before each Umrah visit, after which an Umrah permit will be issued. Anyone planning to perform Umrah for a second or third time within the same year will have to complete the required process again for each trip.

The clarification is aimed at making the travel and Umrah procedures clearer for pilgrims and preventing misunderstandings among holders of the multiple-entry visa. Authorities have emphasized that even with a valid one-year visa, pilgrims must fulfil the required conditions and obtain the necessary permit before each Umrah journey.