The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set out the full calendar for the 1448 AH Umrah season, confirming when visas are issued, when pilgrims may enter the Kingdom and when they must depart. The schedule gives travellers a clear framework for planning the year ahead.

Umrah visa issuance for the new season began on May 31, 2026. Pilgrims holding valid visas were able to enter Makkah and obtain Umrah permits through the Nusuk application from June 1, 2026.

Key dates for the season

The ministry has fixed firm cut-off points for the season. According to the published calendar, the final date for issuing Umrah visas is March 9, 2027. Pilgrims will be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia until March 23, 2027. The last date for Umrah performers to depart the Kingdom is April 7, 2027.

These deadlines mark the transition from the Umrah season into preparations for Hajj. Pilgrims who plan to travel late in the season should leave a comfortable margin before the March entry deadline to avoid being caught by the cut-off.

Separately, Hajj affairs offices and international service providers will be able to secure priority accommodation reservations in Makkah and Madinah for the 2027 Hajj season from June 30, 2026, signalling that planning for the major pilgrimage is already under way.

A shorter entry window

One change that pilgrims should note carefully concerns how long a visa remains valid for entry. The entry validity period for Umrah visas has been reduced from roughly 90 days to 30 days from the date of issuance.

In practice, this means a pilgrim who is issued a visa must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days. If the traveller does not arrive within that window, the visa is automatically cancelled by the system and a fresh application is required.

Importantly, the stay duration after entry is not affected by this change. Once a pilgrim has entered the Kingdom, the permitted period inside the country remains as before. It is only the pre-entry window that has been shortened. According to reports, the measure is intended to help the authorities manage the flow of arrivals and improve service during busy periods.

The Nusuk booking requirement

The season continues to operate under the "no booking, no visa" principle. Every Umrah visa application must be linked to confirmed accommodation and transport reservations made through the Nusuk platform. Each application carries a booking reference number, and applications without one are rejected.

International pilgrims use the official Nusuk application to book Umrah slots, reserve hotels from a vetted list and schedule visits to the Rawdah in Madinah. The platform does not sell flights, so travellers arrange air travel separately.

Practical tips for pilgrims

To stay within the new rules and avoid disruption, pilgrims should keep the following in mind:

  • Travel within 30 days of issuance. Apply for your visa only once your travel dates are firm, so the shorter entry window does not expire.
  • Confirm bookings first. Secure accommodation and transport through Nusuk before applying, as the booking reference is mandatory.
  • Mind the season deadlines. Plan entry well before March 23, 2027, and departure before April 7, 2027.
  • Keep records ready. Hold digital and printed copies of the visa, passport, bookings and any required health certificates.

With the calendar now set, pilgrims have the information they need to plan the 1448 AH season. The shorter entry window is the single most important change, and aligning the visa application with confirmed travel dates is the best way to avoid problems.