Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set out the full calendar for the 1448 AH Umrah season, giving pilgrims a clear map of when visas open, when they must enter the Kingdom, and when they must depart. The season is already underway, but several important deadlines fall in early 2027 and are worth planning around now.
According to the Ministry's announced calendar, the issuance of Umrah visas and the entry of pilgrims began on 14 Dhul-Hijjah 1447, corresponding to 31 May 2026. Pilgrims could enter Makkah and obtain Umrah permits through the Nusuk application from the following day.
The Closing Deadlines
While the season opened in mid-2026, the calendar sets firm cut-off points the following spring. The final date for issuing Umrah visas is 1 Shawwal 1448, which corresponds to 9 March 2027.
The final date for Umrah pilgrims to enter the Kingdom is 15 Shawwal 1448, or 23 March 2027. After that point, entry on an Umrah visa closes as the Kingdom transitions toward Hajj preparations.
The last date for Umrah pilgrims to depart is 30 Shawwal 1448, corresponding to 7 April 2027. Pilgrims must complete their journey and leave the Kingdom by this date. Overstaying carries penalties, so aligning travel plans with these deadlines is essential.
Booking Rules Tied to the Calendar
The season calendar operates alongside tightened booking rules. Every Umrah visa must be linked to a verified Nusuk hotel booking in Makkah, Madinah, or both. Pre-booked ground transport for airport transfers and inter-city travel is also mandatory.
In effect, the Ministry has adopted a no-booking, no-visa approach. A visa is not issued until accommodation and transport are confirmed and logged in Nusuk with a reference number. The measure is designed to regulate pilgrim numbers and ease crowding in Makkah and Madinah.
Separately, the entry visa is now valid for 30 days from issuance, reduced from the previous 90 days. The permitted stay inside the Kingdom after arrival remains up to three months.
Planning Around the Calendar
The spread of the season offers pilgrims flexibility, but the deadlines are firm. Those hoping to perform Umrah later in the season should note that the entry cut-off of 23 March 2027 leaves no room for delay once the visa window closes on 9 March.
Pilgrims can take several practical steps. First, decide your travel window early and check it against the entry and departure deadlines, leaving a margin for flight disruptions. Second, complete Nusuk hotel and transport bookings before applying for a visa, since the visa depends on them. Third, be mindful of the 30-day validity of the entry visa and avoid issuing it too far ahead of travel.
Finally, plan departure well before 7 April 2027 to avoid any risk of overstaying. Pilgrims are advised to rely on the Ministry's official channels and the Nusuk platform for confirmation, and to keep booking reference numbers accessible throughout the journey. With clear deadlines in place, early and careful planning remains the key to a smooth Umrah.