Umrah entry visas now valid for one month instead of three from issuance date.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reduced the validity period for Umrah entry visas from three months to one month from issuance date, though the permitted stay duration remains unchanged at three months after arrival.
The new regulations take effect next week (November 1, 2025) amid a record-breaking Umrah season that has already seen over four million visas issued to foreign pilgrims.
Under the updated system, Umrah visas will automatically cancel if pilgrims fail to enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of issuance.
The three-month allowance for staying in the Kingdom after arrival remains unaffected, preserving pilgrims’ flexibility once they enter the country.
Ahmed Bajaeifer, advisor at the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, confirmed the changes to prepare for expected pilgrim increases following summer’s end and cooler temperatures in Mecca and Medina.
The current Umrah season, beginning in early June, has achieved unprecedented numbers with four million foreign pilgrims arriving within just five months. This volume surpasses previous full-season totals, demonstrating growing global demand for Umrah pilgrimage opportunities.
An article dedicated to Uzbekistan’s position in the international tourism market has been published in the Spanish publication “El Mundo Financiero”, reports Dunyo IA.
As noted in the article, Uzbekistan has once again been included among the world’s safest countries in the Global Terrorism Index 2026 ranking. Prepared by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the ranking covers 163 countries, and according to the results of 2026, Uzbekistan was placed among the group of the safest countries with a score of 0.014 points.
The publication assessed this result as a reflection of the effectiveness of consistent measures being implemented in the country to ensure public safety, improve the law enforcement system and prevent offenses.
Article also highlighted that foreign tourists feel safe while traveling across Uzbekistan. It emphasized that the system established to ensure security at airports, railway stations, metro facilities, tourist sites, central streets and other public places contributes to strengthening the country’s positive image.
Publication also noted that the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Great Silk Road cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, as well as modern Tashkent and the country’s traditions of hospitality, are increasingly attracting foreign tourists.
“The results of the “Global Terrorism Index 2026” will further strengthen Uzbekistan’s image as a reliable, stable, and safe country for tourism, business, and international exchanges”, concluded “El Mundo Financiero”.