Saudi Arabia has opened its new Umrah season for 1448 AH, with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah beginning to issue visas from May 31, 2026, immediately after the conclusion of this year's Hajj. The ministry has also published the full set of deadlines that will govern the season, giving pilgrims and travel operators a clear timeline to plan around.
The key dates
According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, visa issuance and the arrival of international pilgrims for the new season began on May 31, 2026. The ministry confirmed that March 9, 2027, corresponding to Shawwal 1, 1448 AH, will be the final date for issuing Umrah visas.
The last day for pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia will be March 23, 2027. All Umrah pilgrims must depart the Kingdom by April 7, 2027, which marks the official close of the season. Pilgrims should treat these dates as firm deadlines rather than flexible guidelines, as they determine both visa eligibility and permitted length of stay.
Nusuk at the centre
Entry to Makkah and the issuing of Umrah permits now run through the government's Nusuk application. The platform serves as the Kingdom's unified digital gateway for permits, bookings and pilgrimage services. In recent years Saudi Arabia has accelerated the digital transformation of Umrah, introducing electronic permits, automated contracting procedures and QR code verification systems.
Pilgrims are required to register on Nusuk to obtain their Umrah permit. The ministry has described the platform as the main channel through which visas are issued, packages are booked and other travel services are arranged. Travellers should ensure their bookings are properly logged before arrival.
Part of a wider expansion
The new calendar forms part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to accommodate growing numbers of pilgrims under Vision 2030. The Kingdom is expanding transport and hospitality infrastructure and continues to modernise the management of one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings. Earlier in the year, authorities reported record single-day attendance at the Grand Mosque, underlining the scale of demand the system must handle.
Practical guidance for pilgrims
Pilgrims planning an Umrah this season should keep several points in mind. Book early, particularly if travelling closer to the March 2027 deadlines, when demand tends to rise. Confirm that hotel and transport reservations are logged in Nusuk before applying for a visa. Do not leave entry to the final days before March 23, 2027, as any delay could jeopardise the trip. Finally, remember that an Umrah visa does not permit performance of Hajj, which requires a separate Hajj visa. Keeping travel documents and Nusuk records in order will help ensure a smooth journey.
The wider picture
The 1448 AH calendar continues a pattern of tighter scheduling that Saudi Arabia has adopted to manage year-round demand. Fixed issuance, entry and departure deadlines allow authorities to plan crowd flows at the Grand Mosque and to coordinate the transition between the Umrah season and the following Hajj period. Because Hajj requires a separate visa and its own arrangements, the clean cut-off in early April 2027 helps the Kingdom clear Umrah pilgrims before Hajj preparations intensify.
For travel agencies, the published calendar provides certainty for pricing and package design. Historically, the weeks immediately after Hajj see lower footfall at the Grand Mosque and softer hotel prices, while the final weeks of a season can bring renewed crowding as pilgrims rush to travel before the deadline. Understanding this rhythm can help pilgrims choose a quieter, more affordable time to perform their rites.
Avoiding common mistakes
Every season, some pilgrims run into avoidable difficulties. A frequent error is assuming a visa remains valid indefinitely once issued, when in fact entry deadlines apply. Another is arriving without bookings properly recorded in Nusuk, which can hold up permits. Pilgrims should also confirm that their chosen operator is licensed, as unauthorised agents cannot issue valid permits through the official system. Verifying every arrangement against the ministry's published dates is the simplest safeguard.