{"id":2054904,"date":"2026-07-21T08:17:39","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T05:17:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2054904"},"modified":"2026-07-21T08:17:39","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T05:17:39","slug":"new-saudi-visa-lets-umrah-pilgrims-visit-multiple-times-within-a-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2054904","title":{"rendered":"New Saudi visa lets Umrah pilgrims visit multiple times within a year"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/53\/43\/1200x675_cmsv2_ad0c6d9f-3c75-553c-9f3a-4a9f27cb10a4-9845343.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2911548-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2911548\" data-cid=\"9845976\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911548-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" 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src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/59\/40\/189x106_cmsv2_9b02b71a-00ef-59a1-bafd-bf4d8c161ca5-9845940.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A Canadair water bomber drops water while fighting wildfires in the Var region\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Wildfire spreads in southeastern France as firefighters battle blaze\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911517-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2911517\" data-cid=\"9845874\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911517-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/57\/08\/189x106_cmsv2_834e5f75-19cb-5e74-ab74-2ab78da72d01-9845708.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Messi in tears after 1-0 defeat to Spain\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Messi&#8217;s mysterious pre-final video fuels speculation\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911552-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2911552\" data-cid=\"9845902\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911552-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/59\/02\/189x106_cmsv2_ee8cc550-7f0f-5c3c-a710-a554811d578c-9845902.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The logo for California-based tech company, Google.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Brussels prepares fine against Google, risking Trump&#8217;s ire\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911548-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2911548\" data-cid=\"9845976\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911548-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/58\/86\/189x106_cmsv2_aec57fcd-568b-5282-ab7d-a6e6db28e9ff-9845886.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: Cigarette packets on display in a New York shop, 18 March 2013.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    New anti-smoking law in Spain: where smoking will be banned\n  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id=\"abe-2911517-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2911517\" data-cid=\"9845874\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911517-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/57\/08\/189x106_cmsv2_834e5f75-19cb-5e74-ab74-2ab78da72d01-9845708.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Messi in tears after 1-0 defeat to Spain\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Messi&#8217;s mysterious pre-final video fuels speculation\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911552-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2911552\" data-cid=\"9845902\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911552-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/59\/02\/189x106_cmsv2_ee8cc550-7f0f-5c3c-a710-a554811d578c-9845902.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The logo for California-based tech company, Google.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Brussels prepares fine against Google, risking Trump&#8217;s ire\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Travel<\/p>\n<p>                          Travel News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            New Saudi visa lets Umrah pilgrims visit multiple times within a year<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/53\/43\/1536x864_cmsv2_ad0c6d9f-3c75-553c-9f3a-4a9f27cb10a4-9845343.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Umrah, unlike Hajj, is performed voluntarily and can be undertaken multiple times throughout the year\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Umrah, unlike Hajj, is performed voluntarily and can be undertaken multiple times throughout the year<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Photo by Ekrem Osmanoglu on Unsplash <\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Photo by Ekrem Osmanoglu on Unsplash\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspFakhriya M. Suleiman\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1784621859\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-07-21 10:17:39 +02:00\">21\/07\/2026 &#8211; 10:17 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__header 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class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Saudi Arabia has launched a new one-year multiple-entry visa, which will allow Umrah pilgrims to make repeated visits.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--travel js-article-content\">\n<p>The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has announced a new multiple-entry visa for Umrah pilgrims.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>With the newly launched visa, valid for 365 days from the date of issuance, visitors can enter the holy cities multiple times to perform Umrah for a cumulative stay of no longer than 90 days.<\/p>\n<p>According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), this move &#8220;aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program&#8217;s goals of facilitating arrival, enriching the pilgrim experience and improving service efficiency&#8221;. <\/p>\n<p>Pilgrims are eligible to use the new visa only if they purchase an Umrah service package from an approved provider through Saudi\u2019s Nusuk Umrah platform for each visit. The platform is the Kingdom\u2019s self-styled digital \u201cone-stop-shop\u201d offering visa issuance, accommodation, transportation and flight bookings for pilgrims.<\/p>\n<p>The package duration must also not exceed the number of days remaining on the visa and travellers must secure an Umrah permit via Nusuk before arriving in Saudi Arabia. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe ministry affirmed that the visa enhances flexibility in planning visits and supports the integration of digital and operational services throughout the pilgrim&#8217;s journey,\u201d SPA added.<\/p>\n<p>After finishing the pilgrimage and upon departure, the visa deactivates. It can be reactivated for the next time the pilgrim wants to visit, once they have met the regulatory requirements. It also remains inactive during the annual Hajj season. <\/p>\n<p>So far in 2026, Saudi Arabia has welcomed 931,500 pilgrims with Umrah visas, marking a 22.5% increase compared to the same period in 2025, with the top international visitors hailing from Pakistan, Indonesia and Iraq. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">The new Umrah visa allows for multiple entries into the holy cities for pilgrims.<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>What is the difference between Umrah and Hajj?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Unlike Hajj, which is performed only during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah annually, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be undertaken throughout the year at any time \u2013 hence why it is often referred to as a \u201clesser\u201d or \u201cminor\u201d Hajj.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime religious obligation for Muslims who are financially and physically able. Its core rituals take about five to six days to complete, while Umrah can typically be completed within a few hours in a day.<\/p>\n<p>In 2025, Saudi Arabia hosted more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims for Hajj alone, who arrived from outside of the country through various entry points, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Including domestic pilgrims, the total was more than 1.6 million people.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2883304-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2883304\" data-cid=\"9708276\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2883304-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/82\/76\/480x270_cmsv2_73c486fe-13f8-5c40-aad1-b880e9021595-9708276.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Mecca is the holiest city for Muslims \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Pilgrims may soon fly directly to Mecca as airport plans take off<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2307290-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2307290\" data-cid=\"7708358\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure 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id=\"abe-2307384-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/70\/86\/52\/480x270_cmsv2_562dc501-b173-59d9-b5a7-050c99c4ec99-7708652.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 22, 2015. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Lifestyle<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What to know about Hajj, Islam&#8217;s sacred pilgrimage<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Umrah<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Hajj<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Tourism<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Saudi Arabia<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Pilgrimage<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Mecca<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2911443-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2911443\" data-cid=\"9845328\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911443-label-pos2-top-stories\" 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Santo in the Madeira archipelago is in second place in Expedia\u2019s ranking of the hottest new islands to know now \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Revealed: The European islands set to be 2026&#8217;s hottest escapes<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2911465-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2911465\" data-cid=\"9845497\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911465-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/54\/97\/320x180_cmsv2_39aa35c2-bcaa-5f94-a618-975c5a5d9aae-9845497.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Public space at Fortuna of Cappadocia, Autograph Collection\" 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loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2911201-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2911201\" data-cid=\"9844228\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Emirates unveils \u2018game-changing\u2019 headrest across economy class<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div 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alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2883304-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2883304\" data-cid=\"9708276\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2883304-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/82\/76\/480x270_cmsv2_73c486fe-13f8-5c40-aad1-b880e9021595-9708276.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Mecca is the holiest city for Muslims \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Pilgrims may soon fly directly to Mecca as airport plans take off<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article 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Madeira archipelago is in second place in Expedia\u2019s ranking of the hottest new islands to know now \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Revealed: The European islands set to be 2026&#8217;s hottest escapes<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911465-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2911465\" data-cid=\"9845497\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911465-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/54\/97\/320x180_cmsv2_39aa35c2-bcaa-5f94-a618-975c5a5d9aae-9845497.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Public space at Fortuna of Cappadocia, Autograph Collection\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><span class=\"c-icon-gallery the-media-object__icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/camera.svg\" width=\"21\" height=\"21\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    This new Cappadocia hotel has views of fairy chimneys and valleys<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911201-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2911201\" data-cid=\"9844228\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Emirates unveils \u2018game-changing\u2019 headrest across economy class<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911102-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2911102\" 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class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Revealed: The European islands set to be 2026&#8217;s hottest escapes<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2909766-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2909766\" data-cid=\"9837419\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Wildlife holiday bucket list: The animals travellers want to see most<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has announced a new multiple-entry visa for Umrah pilgrims.With the newly launched visa, valid for 365 days from the date of issuance, visitors can enter the holy cities multiple times to perform Umrah for a cumulative stay of no longer than 90 days.According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), this move &#8220;aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program&#8217;s goals of facilitating arrival, enriching the pilgrim experience and improving service efficiency&#8221;.Pilgrims are eligible to use the new visa only if they purchase an Umrah service package from an approved provider through Saudi\u2019s Nusuk Umrah platform for each visit. The platform is the Kingdom\u2019s self-styled digital \u201cone-stop-shop\u201d offering visa issuance, accommodation, transportation and flight bookings for pilgrims.The package duration must also not exceed the number of days remaining on the visa and travellers must secure an Umrah permit via Nusuk before arriving in Saudi Arabia.\u201cThe ministry affirmed that the visa enhances flexibility in planning visits and supports the integration of digital and operational services throughout the pilgrim&#8217;s journey,\u201d SPA added.After finishing the pilgrimage and upon departure, the visa deactivates. It can be reactivated for the next time the pilgrim wants to visit, once they have met the regulatory requirements. It also remains inactive during the annual Hajj season.So far in 2026, Saudi Arabia has welcomed 931,500 pilgrims with Umrah visas, marking a 22.5% increase compared to the same period in 2025, with the top international visitors hailing from Pakistan, Indonesia and Iraq.What is the difference between Umrah and Hajj?What is the difference between Umrah and Hajj?Unlike Hajj, which is performed only during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah annually, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be undertaken throughout the year at any time \u2013 hence why it is often referred to as a \u201clesser\u201d or \u201cminor\u201d Hajj.On the other hand, Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime religious obligation for Muslims who are financially and physically able. Its core rituals take about five to six days to complete, while Umrah can typically be completed within a few hours in a day.In 2025, Saudi Arabia hosted more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims for Hajj alone, who arrived from outside of the country through various entry points, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Including domestic pilgrims, the total was more than 1.6 million people.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2026\/07\/21\/new-saudi-visa-lets-umrah-pilgrims-visit-multiple-times-within-a-year&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/53\/43\/1200x675_cmsv2_ad0c6d9f-3c75-553c-9f3a-4a9f27cb10a4-9845343.jpg&#8221;] Health news New anti-smoking law in Spain: where smoking will be banned No Comment Wildfire spreads in southeastern France as firefighters battle blaze Sport Messi&#8217;s mysterious pre-final video fuels speculation Europe News Brussels prepares fine against Google, risking Trump&#8217;s ire Health news New anti-smoking law in Spain: where smoking will be banned [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2054904","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2054904","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2054904"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2054904\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2054904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2054904"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2054904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}