Saudi authorities have set a maximum duration for organised Umrah trip programs during the 1448 AH season. Under regulations approved in mid-July 2026, an Umrah program run by a licensed operator may last no longer than 15 days, with a special exception that allows longer stays during part of Sha'ban and Ramadan.
The rules govern how travel companies structure their packages and how long pilgrims on those packages remain in the Kingdom. They form part of a broader effort to organise pilgrim movement and manage capacity at the holy sites.
The 15-day rule and its exception
According to the regulations, the standard ceiling for an Umrah program is 15 days. For the first time, an exception applies to programs carried out between 15 Sha'ban and 17 Ramadan. During that window, a program may extend to a maximum of 35 days.
The extended window recognises the high demand for Umrah during Ramadan, when many pilgrims wish to stay longer to perform additional worship, including the final ten nights of the month. By allowing licensed operators to offer longer packages during this period, the authorities aim to accommodate that demand within a regulated framework.
Outside the Ramadan window, the 15-day limit is designed to keep pilgrim turnover steady and to reduce overstays, which have long been a concern for crowd management at the Grand Mosque and across Makkah.
Part of a tighter framework
The trip-duration regulations sit alongside other rules that now shape the Umrah journey. Every Umrah visa must be linked to a confirmed hotel booking and pre-arranged transport logged in the Nusuk system. The visa itself carries a defined entry and stay period, and pilgrims are expected to leave the Kingdom by the published season deadlines.
Together, these measures give the authorities a clearer picture of how many pilgrims are in the country at any time and where they are staying. The approach reflects a shift towards fully digital, pre-booked pilgrimage logistics that has accelerated in recent seasons.
Licensed operators are responsible for building their packages within these limits. Pilgrims booking through an approved agent should confirm that the program length matches the regulations before they travel.
What pilgrims should check
Pilgrims planning Umrah this season are advised to confirm several points with their operator before booking. They should verify the exact number of days in the program and ensure it falls within the permitted limit for the chosen travel dates. They should also confirm that accommodation and transport are booked through Nusuk, and that their visa entry and exit dates align with the season calendar.
Those hoping for a longer stay should note that only programs during the 15 Sha'ban to 17 Ramadan window qualify for the extended 35-day maximum. Planning travel dates around this rule can help pilgrims who wish to spend more time in worship during Ramadan.
The authorities are expected to continue refining Umrah regulations as the season develops, and pilgrims should rely on official channels and licensed operators for the most current requirements.