Umrah visas will now last for three months from the date of issuance instead of starting from the day when the visa holder entered Saudi Arabia, the kingdom’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said.

The change is part of an effort to streamline preparations for the annual Hajj season, Gulf News reported. It was taken in coordination with the country’s foreign affairs ministry.

The ministry said this after several users asked questions related to the visa on social media platform X. The change aims to better manage the influx and activities of pilgrims leading up to and during the Hajj season, the ministry said.

It has already advised visitors that the Umrah visa was specifically for pilgrimage purposes and should not be used for employment or other non-pilgrimage activities.