Breaking: Saudi Introduces One-Year Multiple-Entry Umrah Visas for Nigerians
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Saudi Arabia has commenced the issuance of one-year multiple-entry Umrah visas to Nigerian pilgrims, marking a significant policy shift that allows eligible travellers to perform the lesser pilgrimage multiple times within a 12-month period under a single visa.
An official Saudi eVisa document obtained by Hajj Gazette on Sunday confirms the new arrangement, showing that the visa is valid for one year while permitting holders to remain in the Kingdom for up to 90 days on each visit.
The document, issued through the Saudi Digital Embassy, bears an issuance date of July 19, 2026, and remains valid until July 18, 2027.
It is specifically designated as an Umrah visa, confirming that the new facility is intended for pilgrims undertaking the lesser pilgrimage. However, the visa comes with conditions designed to regulate repeat travel.
The official instructions printed on the visa direct pilgrims to obtain a fresh Umrah permit and a confirmed Umrah package from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before making any subsequent entry into the Kingdom after their first visit.
This means that while the visa remains valid for multiple journeys throughout the year, travellers must secure new travel authorisation for every subsequent visit through an authorised Umrah operator or the Kingdom’s Nusuk digital platform before departure.
Breaking: Saudi Introduces One-Year Multiple-Entry Umrah Visas for Nigerians
The visa also carries an important seasonal restriction. Saudi authorities prohibit Umrah visa holders from entering or remaining in the Kingdom between 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah and 14 Dhu al-Hijjah, the annual Hajj period, to manage crowd movement and prioritise Hajj pilgrims.
The new one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa simplifies travel for Nigerians who frequently visit the Kingdom for Umrah by eliminating the need to apply for a new visa before every trip, while allowing Saudi Arabia to maintain its digital permit and package verification system.
The development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to modernise pilgrimage services through digital platforms, improve visitor experience, and streamline entry procedures for international Umrah pilgrims.
