Saudi Arabia has recorded a sharp increase in the number of pilgrims arriving for Umrah at the start of the 1448 AH season. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that 931,500 pilgrims entered the Kingdom on Umrah visas between 15 Dhul Hijjah and the end of Muharram, a rise of 22.5 percent compared with the same period last year.
The figures point to continued growth in international pilgrim traffic as the Kingdom expands its capacity and streamlines the visa and booking process through the Nusuk platform.
Where pilgrims are coming from
According to the Ministry, Pakistan sent the largest number of pilgrims during the period, with around 200,000 arrivals. Indonesia followed with 170,000, and Iraq ranked third with 130,000.
The Ministry said that 75 percent of pilgrims arriving from abroad entered the Kingdom through air ports, while the remaining 25 percent came through land and sea crossings. The distribution reflects the Kingdom's investment in airport capacity at Jeddah and Madinah, as well as improved land routes for pilgrims travelling from neighbouring countries.
The 1448 season opened on 31 May 2026, after Hajj 2026 concluded and the Kingdom resumed Umrah visa issuance. Pilgrim entry to Makkah opened the following day through the Nusuk application.
What is driving the growth
The Ministry has widened access to Umrah in recent seasons. Holders of a broad range of visa types, including tourist visas, are now able to perform Umrah, provided they complete the required registration steps. This has opened the door to visitors who previously would have needed a dedicated Umrah visa.
At the same time, the Nusuk platform has become the central gateway for permits, hotel bookings and transport arrangements. Every Umrah visa must now be linked to a verified hotel booking and pre-arranged ground transport before it is issued. While this adds steps for pilgrims, it has helped the authorities manage crowd flow and reduce the number of visitors arriving without accommodation.
Officials have repeatedly framed the growth as part of a wider goal to serve larger numbers of pilgrims each year while maintaining safety and comfort at the holy sites.
What it means for pilgrims
The strong early-season numbers suggest that popular travel windows will be busy, and pilgrims are advised to plan ahead. Booking accommodation and transport early through an approved Nusuk channel helps avoid delays in visa issuance.
Practical steps for those planning Umrah this season include: registering on the Nusuk application before applying, confirming that Meningitis (ACYW) and other required vaccination certificates are valid and ready, and checking the latest entry and exit deadlines for the 1448 season. Pilgrims should also allow extra time for travel and rituals during peak periods, when the Grand Mosque and the sites in Makkah draw the heaviest crowds.
The Ministry is expected to continue publishing season updates as the 1448 Umrah period progresses.