The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has published the official calendar for the 1448 AH Umrah season, confirming the dates when visas are issued, when pilgrims may enter the Kingdom, and the final deadlines that close the season ahead of the 1448 Hajj. The announcement, released on August 17, 2026, gives Umrah performers and travel agents a clear timeline for planning trips over the coming months.
According to the Ministry, the calendar forms part of continuing efforts to improve operational efficiency and raise the standard of services offered to pilgrims across the season. The framework builds on the Kingdom's move toward digital booking through the Nusuk platform, which now handles visas, permits, and service packages in one place.
Key dates pilgrims need to know
Under the published calendar, the issuance of Umrah visas and the arrival of pilgrims began on May 31, 2026. Pilgrims have been able to enter Makkah and obtain their Umrah permits through the Nusuk application since June 1, 2026.
The most important dates now fall at the end of the season. The Ministry has set the final date for issuing Umrah visas as March 9, 2027. Pilgrims holding valid visas will then be permitted to enter the Kingdom until March 23, 2027. After that entry deadline, the Umrah season winds down as authorities begin the transition to Hajj 1448 operations.
These closing dates matter for anyone still planning an Umrah journey this season. Pilgrims who intend to travel in the new year should count backward from the March deadlines, allowing time for visa processing, flights, and accommodation booking before the windows close.
How the Nusuk system fits in
The Ministry continues to route Umrah services through the Nusuk platform, which lets pilgrims outside the Kingdom apply for a visa and book services directly. Every pilgrim must still obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk application before heading to the Grand Mosque. The permit system helps the authorities manage crowd levels inside the Mataf and around the Ka'bah, particularly during busy periods.
The calendar announcement follows a strong opening to the season. The Ministry reported that the number of arrivals on Umrah visas rose 22.5 percent to 931,500 pilgrims from the start of the season through the end of Muharram 1448, compared with the same period a year earlier. The growth reflects both rising demand and the smoother digital procedures now in place.
What this means for travel planning
For pilgrims, the published calendar removes uncertainty about how long the season remains open. Those who have delayed booking now have firm outer limits to work within. Travel agencies, meanwhile, can align their packages and flight allocations with the confirmed visa and entry deadlines.
Pilgrims are advised to plan around several practical points. First, secure a visa well before the March 9, 2027 issuance deadline rather than waiting until the final days, when demand typically surges. Second, remember that a service package covering approved accommodation and transport must be booked through Nusuk for the trip to proceed. Third, obtain the Umrah permit in the Nusuk app before travelling to Makkah, and check for the preferred time slots that help avoid the most crowded hours at the Grand Mosque.
Finally, pilgrims travelling later in the season should account for the seasonal transition toward Hajj. As the Umrah entry deadline approaches, services and availability may tighten while the Kingdom shifts its focus to preparing the holy sites for the pilgrims of Hajj 1448.