Stay informed with the latest Umrah visa updates and regulations. Please review the details below carefully before making any travel plans.
The path to Umrah has always been one of devotion and intention. And from November 2025, that path comes with a few new travel rules every pilgrim should understand.
Saudi Arabia has shortened the Umrah visa entry validity from 90 days to 30 days. In simple words, once your visa is issued, you’ll have a month to enter the Kingdom. But once you arrive, your stay can still last up to three months, giving you enough time to complete your pilgrimage and visit Madinah in peace.
At Ziyuf Al Rahman, our role is to make this transition effortless for UK pilgrims. We handle every detail, visa, flights, hotels, ground transfers, so you can focus on your worship, not the logistics.
An Umrah visa online is a short-term entry permit for Muslims who wish to perform the minor pilgrimage. It’s available year-round and is completely separate from the Hajj visa, which applies only during the annual Hajj season.
The visa allows pilgrims to perform Umrah in Makkah and visit Madinah, but not to work or live in the Kingdom.
Until recently, once the visa was granted, pilgrims had three full months to plan their journey. The new system compresses that flexibility, tightening the entry period while keeping the stay duration the same.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed a new structure for all Umrah visas beginning 1 November 2025.
Here’s what every pilgrim needs to know:
More than four million Umrah visas have already been issued this season, a clear sign of growing demand and the need for precise planning.
This is not just a paperwork change. It’s a thoughtful step toward improving the pilgrimage experience.
The shorter entry window helps:
It’s part of Saudi Vision 2030, the country’s national initiative to modernise religious tourism. The goal is to make every pilgrim’s journey safer, calmer, and more meaningful.
If you’ve performed Umrah before, you may remember the easy three-month entry window. Now, once your visa is approved, you have 30 days to enter.
Think of it as a countdown clock:
If you don’t travel within that first month, the visa expires and must be reissued.
For pilgrims booking through Ziyuf Al Rahman, this isn’t a cause for worry. We plan your itinerary so your visa is issued at exactly the right moment, not too early, not too late, aligning it perfectly with your flights and accommodation.
We keep the process straightforward and transparent to apply Umrah visa online:
Select from our carefully designed 3-Star, 4-Star, or 5-Star Umrah packages. Each includes hotel stays near the Haram, ground transfers, and group or private options.
Share your passport, passport-size photos, proof of vaccination, and basic information. Our team submits your application through the official Saudi system.
Once approved, your visa is issued electronically. That’s when your 30-day entry period begins. We’ll notify you instantly.
You must enter Saudi Arabia within those 30 days. We’ll confirm your flights, airport pick-ups, and hotel check-ins to keep everything aligned.
Once inside the Kingdom, your stay can extend up to three months. That’s plenty of time for worship, reflection, and a serene visit to Madinah before returning home.
Depending on your situation, there are three main visa pathways for UK citizens to perform Umrah:
Arranged by authorised agents like Ziyuf Al Rahman, this is the traditional route for those travelling solely for pilgrimage.
British nationals can use a tourist visa to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, provided all bookings comply with Umrah regulations.
British passport holders may also travel using an EVW for a short Umrah visit that include Umrah. Our consultants can confirm eligibility and handle all details for you.
Each option has its own validity and documentation requirements. We’ll recommend what works best for your travel plans.
To verify your Umrah visa, visit the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: visa.mofa.gov.sa.
It’s a simple way to ensure your travel timing is right, something we also double-check on your behalf.
Because planning Umrah isn’t just about booking flights, it’s about peace of mind.
We follow every policy update from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah so our pilgrims never face uncertainty.
| Aspect | Before | Now (Nov 2025) |
| Entry validity | 90 days from issuance | 30 days from issuance. |
| Entry deadline | Within 90 days | Within 30 days. |
| Stay after arrival | 3 months | 3 months (unchanged). |
| Visa cancellation | After 90 days | After 30 days, if no entry. |
| Purpose | Flexible travel window | Better crowd management & coordination. |
These new visa timings are not restrictions; they’re refinements, small adjustments that make large gatherings more manageable and safe.
For you, the takeaway is simple: Apply carefully, travel promptly, and let experts handle the details.
At Ziyuf Al Rahman, we time every step so you don’t have to count days. From your visa approval to the last prayer in Madinah, your journey stays within the rules and within peace.
Our team in the UK is ready to assist with visa applications, flights, and all-inclusive Umrah packages for individuals, families, and groups.
Your intention is pure. Let the process be simple.
References
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/gulf/umrah-changes-visa-rules-2025
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/gulf/saudi-arabia-umrah-visa-changes-november-2025
https://soulofsaudi.com/one-month-validity-for-umrah-visa/
https://unb.com.bd/category/World/saudi-arabia-set-to-shorten-umrah-visa-validity/171937