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audi Arabia has officially unveiled a series of transformative updates to its visa structure for 2026, specifically targeting the 30-day Umrah and Tourist visit categories. As part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, these changes aim to streamline the “Guest of Allah” experience, but they come with strict new protocols regarding entry points, transit insurance, and digital permits. For the millions planning their journey this year, understanding the nuance of these Saudi Arabia 30-day visa changes 2026 is the difference between a seamless pilgrimage and a costly administrative delay.

1. The Core Changes: Beyond the 30-Day Window

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has moved toward a more flexible, yet more monitored, 30-day window. While the duration remains familiar, the 2026 implementation focuses on the integration of the Nusuk platform directly with the visa issuance. Previously, a pilgrim could secure a visa and figure out their rituals later. Now, the 30-day permit is often tethered to a pre-allocated “Ritual Window.”

2. Digital Governance: The Nusuk 2.0 Integration

A major pillar of these Saudi Arabia 30-day visa changes 2026 is the mandatory biometrics update required via the Saudi Bio App before the 30-day Umrah visa is even processed. This digital-first approach ensures that the “30 days” is calculated from the exact moment of biometric scanning at the border. This eliminates the “grace periods” that many pilgrims relied on in the past.

Furthermore, the 30-day visa now requires a confirmed “Transport Manifest.” The Saudi authorities are cracking down on unauthorized transport providers. To ensure your visa remains compliant with local regulations, using a licensed and registered taxi service is now more important than ever. Authorized transport ensures your location data is correctly logged in the system, preventing any “overstay” red flags.

3. The Impact on Airport Logistics

The new 30-day rules have shifted the flow of traffic at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED). Specifically, the Umrah-only 30-day visa now directs pilgrims exclusively through Terminal 1 in Jeddah. If you are arriving on a Tourist Visa to perform Umrah, you may still use the North Terminal, but you must be prepared for more rigorous questioning regarding your transport plans.

4. Transit Visas: The 96-Hour Alternative

Parallel to the 30-day changes, Saudi Arabia has enhanced the “Stopover Visa.” This allows a 96-hour stay for those flying with Saudia or Flynas. However, many pilgrims are finding that 96 hours is insufficient for the 2026 crowds, leading to a massive surge in the 30-day Umrah visa applications. The “Stopover” is excellent for a quick Umrah, but for those wishing to visit the Ziyarah sites in Madinah, the 30-day option remains the gold standard.

5. Planning Your 30-Day Itinerary

With 30 days at your disposal, the 2026 regulations encourage a slower, more spiritual pace. However, the Kingdom is also enforcing stricter “No-Entry” zones during peak prayer times for those without confirmed transport permits. To navigate Makkah in 2026, you need a partner who understands the “Zone System.”

Our 2026 Travel Blog provides a day-by-day breakdown of how to spend your 30 days without falling foul of the new visa restrictions. From the best times to visit the Rawdah to the quietest days for Ziyarah in the outskirts of Makkah, we help you maximize every hour of your visa.