Have you heard that the Umrah visa rules have been updated again? Here’s the real story and how to plan your Umrah trip by following the new rules. The change is not how long you can stay. The change is how long you have to enter. Once the Umrah visa is issued, you must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days. Previously, the Umrah pilgrims had an entry duration window of 90 days. This new Umrah visa rule sounds small, but it changes everything about how you plan your Umrah trip with the right Umrah packages.

Before you could apply for a visa, and you had 3 months to search for cheap flights and wait for your leave to be approved. Now, you have 30 days for everything. If you do not board a flight and enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah within 30 days, your Umrah visa is automatically canceled, and you have to apply and pay all over again.

Why Was There a Need to Change the Rule?

This new Umrah visa rule ensures only serious pilgrims enter the Kingdom for Umrah. This rule will also help authorities to better manage crowds.

What Changed? Visa Validity Updated

In Oct 2025, Saudi Arabia changed the Umrah visa validity rule. Now visas must be used within 30 days of issuance. It is strongly recommended not to delay departure and ensure you book Umrah packages in advance, aligning with the visa timeline.

The key points of impact are

• You have only 30 days between the visa issuance and your travel date.
• You have to plan properly as there will be less margin for any error.
• You must book Umrah Packages early and ensure every booking is done early.
• It is a smart move to plan your stay carefully so you don’t overstay or face any issues.

Why This Change Matters to You

Having a limited time to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah impacts your entire trip. If you fail to plan within the valid window, you might:

• Arrive too late in Saudi Arabia and find your Umrah visa has already expired or been cancelled. The early preparation is key to a successful Umrah.
• get overwhelmed with finding the right hotel and transport for your Umrah journey.
• End up stressed, rushed, or get fewer days of worship than you planned.
• face an extra cost for flights to depart on a date you want.

Umrah is more than just a physical journey, it is a spiritual journey that cleanses souls and removes past life sins. It is important to perform Umrah without stressing about logistics. An Umrah visa rule should not distract you from worship. Therefore, understanding the new Umrah rules and planning according is essential. You must first have your flights picked. You must have your hotels booked. You must have your work leave approved. Your bags must be almost packed.

What You Should Do - Umrah Preparation Steps

Get Umrah Visa Early & Depart on the Right Date

As soon as you are mentally, spiritually, and physically prepared, contact a trusted travel agent and submit your Umrah visa application. Once the visa is issued, check the expiry date and the deadline by which you must enter Saudi Arabia. Do not take the visa date lightly, take it as a deadline. If your flights are not aligned, you might not be able to enter the valid window. 

Secure Your Hotels And Transport With Visa

Under the new Umrah rules, it is mandatory to book hotels and transport when applying for a visa. Confirm your hotel stay in Makkah and Madinah, airport pickup, and transportation between Makkah and Madinah. Make sure you get all the vouchers from your travel agent.

Choose an Umrah Package That Fits the New Timeline

Due to the shortening of the visa validity window, it is now crucial to choose and book an Umrah Package that fits your needs and is well-organized. If you find anything ambiguous, do not book the package until your confusion is clear.

It is also important to look for a package that offers a clear itinerary, check-in, visit to Madinah, transportation, all in one package, and within the visa validity. 

Plan Your Duration in Makkah and Madinah Thoughtfully

It is important to utilize your time wisely. Spending 3 to 4 nights in Makkah and 2 to 3 in Madinah. These days are enough to perform Umrah and offer prayers in Masjid Al Nabawi. Book a 7 or 14-day Umrah package. Umrah rituals can be completed in a few hours. A short Umrah package not only saves you money but also helps you plan properly.

How Many Days Should You Stay?

Short stay: If you book a short Umrah Package, you may have less time for everything, as your schedule is tight. This is doable, but you may have less time for rest and reflection. Staying for more than 7 nights gives comfortable time to manage things and allows pilgrims to visit Makkah and Madinah ziyarat. But due to the shorter time, it is recommended to spend less time shopping and exploring.

Final Thoughts

The shortening of the Umrah visa’s validity means that you cannot take it lightly; you must plan carefully and smartly for an enriching experience. Make sure your Umrah package is aligned with your flight and hotels.  Plan strategically, choose a reliable Umrah agent, choose Umrah packages wisely, and plan 7-day or 14-day package. Split the duration between Makkah and Madinah. Allocate time for rest and reflection. With good planning and carefully chosen Umrah Packages, you can have a wonderful Umrah experience.