In a major update for pilgrims around the world, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a new Umrah visa policy that requires travelers to enter the Kingdom within 30 days of receiving their visa.

The decision aims to streamline the flow of visitors and manage the growing number of Umrah pilgrims effectively.

According to the ministry, anyone who fails to travel to Saudi Arabia within 30 days of visa issuance will have their visa automatically cancelled. Previously, pilgrims were allowed up to three months to make their journey after receiving their visa, but under the new rules, that period has now been shortened to one month.

However, there’s some good news for pilgrims. Once they enter Saudi Arabia, visitors will still be permitted to stay for up to three months to perform Umrah and explore the holy sites, just as before.

Ahmed Bajafar, adviser to the National Committee for Hajj and Umrah, confirmed that the new Umrah visa policy will come into effect next week. He added that the Ministry made this change in response to the significant rise in the number of Umrah pilgrims this year.

According to Arab News, more than 4 million international pilgrims have already been granted Umrah visas since June—marking a record-breaking surge compared to previous years.