For many Indian Muslims, performing Umrah is a deeply cherished aspiration. The journey to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah has traditionally required a new visa application for every single visit.
However, in a move that transforms how pilgrims plan their spiritual journeys, Saudi Arabia has recently introduced a 1-year multiple-entry Umrah visa. This game-changing update means Umrah no longer has to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip—it can become a recurring spiritual rhythm.
At Onboard Holidays and Travels in Kannur, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you understand the new rules, check your eligibility, and plan your journey seamlessly.
What is the 1-Year Multiple Entry Umrah Visa?
Introduced in July 2026, this new visa category allows pilgrims to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia several times within a 365-day period using a single visa. Instead of applying from scratch every time, the visa remains valid in the background; you just need to meet the entry requirements before each trip.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Validity: 365 days from the date of issue.
- Number of Entries: Multiple entries are permitted throughout the year.
- Maximum Stay: Up to 90 days in total, counted cumulatively across all your visits. Unused days automatically roll over to future visits within the validity period.
- Automatic Suspension & Reactivation: When you depart Saudi Arabia, the visa is automatically suspended. It reactivates before your next visit once you fulfill the travel requirements.
- Hajj Restriction: This visa cannot be used to enter Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season. Hajj requires a completely separate visa.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
The 1-year multiple-entry Umrah visa is open to Muslims of all nationalities.
For Indian passport holders, this includes:
- Citizens currently residing in India.
- Indian expatriates living abroad (e.g., in the UAE, UK, US, Canada, or other Gulf nations) who can apply using their residence permit alongside their passport.
Important Rules & Requirements for Indian Pilgrims
While the new visa offers incredible flexibility, it’s crucial to understand the rules. Saudi authorities require Indian pilgrims to apply through authorized channels, not independently online.
The Authorized Agency Requirement
Indian citizens living in India generally cannot apply for this visa directly on the Nusuk platform. You must apply through an authorized and recognized Umrah travel agency, like Onboard Holidays and Travels. We will sponsor your trip and book the accredited service package on your behalf.
Requirements Before Every Trip
Even though your visa is valid for a year, you cannot simply book a flight and travel. Before each entry into Saudi Arabia, you must secure:
- An Approved Service Package: This must be booked from a Nusuk-accredited provider and includes mandatory accommodation and transport.
- An Umrah Permit: Issued via the Nusuk app prior to travel.
Mandatory Bookings
To get your visa (and to reactivate it for subsequent trips), you need:
- Confirmed Hotel Bookings: You must have pre-booked, electronically confirmed hotel reservations in Makkah and/or Madinah.
- Crucial Note: Even if you plan to stay with family or friends in Saudi Arabia, you must still have a confirmed hotel booking to process the visa.
- Confirmed Transport: Pre-booked and verified transportation arrangements must be logged in the Nusuk system.
- Round-Trip Flights: Verified return flight tickets to and from Saudi Arabia.
Documents Required for Application
When you apply through Onboard Holidays and Travels, you will need to provide:
| Document Type | Details |
| Passport | Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended travel date, and a minimum of two empty pages. |
| Photographs | Recent color, passport-size photographs with a white background. |
| Identification | Aadhaar and PAN card copies. |
| Vaccination | Valid meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate (and any others required by the Saudi Ministry of Health). |
| Travel Details | Confirmed flight and hotel bookings, plus your full travel itinerary (managed by your agency). |
| For Expats | Residence permit or national ID of your country of residence. |
Why Book with Onboard Holidays and Travels?
Navigating the Nusuk platform, ensuring all bookings are electronically verified, and understanding the nuances of the new rules can be complex.
At Onboard Holidays and Travels in Kannur, we handle the entire process for you:
- Expert Guidance: We ensure your application meets all new Ministry of Hajj and Umrah regulations.
- Package Customization: We arrange the mandatory Nusuk-accredited hotel and transport packages that fit your needs.
- Flight Ticketing: We offer competitive rates on round-trip flights from multiple Indian airports to Jeddah, Madinah, Riyadh, or Dammam.
- Peace of Mind: We manage the paperwork, so you can focus on your spiritual preparation.
Are you ready to plan your Umrah journey? Contact Onboard Holidays and Travels today to get started on your 1-year multiple-entry Umrah visa application!