As the 1448 AH Umrah season gets under way, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reaffirmed that pilgrims no longer need a dedicated Umrah visa to perform the rite. Holders of a range of valid Saudi visas, including tourist, transit and business permits, can now carry out Umrah, giving travellers more flexible routes to the holy cities.

Visa issuance for the new season began on May 31, 2026, with pilgrims able to enter Makkah and obtain permits through the Nusuk application from June 1, 2026. The change in visa flexibility, combined with strict digital booking rules, means pilgrims should understand their options before they travel.

Multiple Visa Pathways

Under current rules, pilgrims can perform Umrah on almost any valid Saudi visa. According to Saudi authorities, holders of the tourist eVisa, the stopover or transit visa, and business, work or family visit visas may all perform Umrah without applying for a separate Umrah visa.

This flexibility opens the door to travellers who visit the Kingdom for other reasons, as well as those transiting through Saudi airports, to include Umrah in their plans. The dedicated Umrah visa remains available for those who prefer it, particularly pilgrims travelling specifically for the rite.

The Kingdom has steadily widened access to pilgrims from across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Reports note that travellers from countries including Turkey, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Sudan, Yemen and Bangladesh are among those able to use the broadened system.

Key Dates And The 30-Day Rule

Pilgrims using a dedicated Umrah visa should note the season's timetable and the shorter validity window now in force. The entry validity of the Umrah visa has been reduced to 30 days from the date of issuance, down from the previous period of around 90 days.

The Ministry has set out the following deadlines for the 1448 AH season:

  • March 9, 2027: the final date for issuing Umrah visas.
  • March 23, 2027: the last date for pilgrims to enter the Kingdom.
  • April 7, 2027: the final departure date for Umrah performers.

Pilgrims are advised to plan their trips carefully so that travel falls within the validity of their visa and the season's official window.

Nusuk Booking Is Mandatory

Whatever visa a pilgrim holds, the Nusuk platform is central to the process. International pilgrims must use the official Nusuk application to obtain digital permits for Umrah and to book appointments, including visits to the Rawdah Al-Sharifah at the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.

The Kingdom also operates a strict booking-first policy. Under what is widely described as the No Booking, No Visa rule, a visa application must be linked to confirmed accommodation and transport arrangements, made through Nusuk or licensed providers, before it can be issued. Hotels must be licensed, and contracts are documented electronically.

One important exception applies to Indian passport holders, who currently cannot apply directly through the Nusuk platform and instead must route their applications through approved agents recognised by Saudi authorities.

Practical Tips For Pilgrims

With the season now open, a little planning goes a long way. Pilgrims should keep the following in mind:

  • Book early: Demand surges in the weeks immediately after Hajj, so secure flights and accommodation as soon as plans are firm.
  • Use Nusuk for permits: Obtain Umrah and Rawdah permits through the app, and check appointment availability in advance.
  • Confirm bookings first: Make sure accommodation and transport are booked and logged before applying for a visa.
  • Mind the 30-day window: If using a dedicated Umrah visa, travel within 30 days of issuance.
  • Prepare for the heat: Summer Umrah brings high temperatures in Makkah, so plan for hydration, rest and cooler hours for outdoor movement.

The broadened visa options make it easier than ever to perform Umrah, but the digital requirements are firm. Pilgrims who organise their bookings and permits in advance will find the process far smoother on arrival.