Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set out the full timetable for the 1448 AH Umrah season, giving pilgrims and travel agents fixed deadlines for visas, arrivals and departures. According to the ministry, the season opened when Umrah visa issuance and pilgrim arrivals began on May 31, 2026, with entry to Makkah and permits through the Nusuk application starting the following day.

The calendar removes much of the guesswork for pilgrims planning trips across the coming months. It confirms exactly how long the window stays open and when the season must close, allowing families to book with confidence rather than waiting for piecemeal announcements.

Key dates every pilgrim should note

The ministry, in an announcement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, confirmed that the final date for issuing Umrah visas is March 9, 2027. Pilgrims holding a valid visa will be permitted to enter the Kingdom until March 23, 2027.

The last day for Umrah performers to depart the Kingdom has been set for April 7, 2027. These cut-off dates matter because the season traditionally winds down ahead of the Hajj period, when Makkah shifts its focus to preparing for the larger pilgrimage.

Officials described the updated calendar as part of ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and enhance the services provided to pilgrims throughout the season. The ministry called on Umrah companies and overseas agents to adhere strictly to the approved timetable and to comply with all official regulations.

Why the fixed schedule matters

A published calendar helps agents outside Saudi Arabia sequence their own contracting, packaging and marketing. It also protects pilgrims from booking travel that falls outside the permitted window, a mistake that can leave visas unusable.

The timetable sits alongside other recent changes to the Umrah system, including a shift toward digital permits and service packages arranged through Nusuk. Pilgrims are now expected to secure accommodation and transport through approved providers on the platform before they travel.

Practical tips

  • Aim to complete visa applications well before the March 9, 2027 deadline, as demand rises sharply in the final weeks.
  • Plan your entry so it falls on or before March 23, 2027, and build in a margin for flight delays.
  • Do not schedule a departure after April 7, 2027, to avoid overstaying the permitted period.
  • Book accommodation and transport through an approved provider on Nusuk before arrival, and keep digital copies of every permit.
  • Confirm the latest requirements with your Umrah operator, since operational instructions can be updated during the season.

For pilgrims, the message is simple: the season is generous in length but firmly bounded. Marking these three dates now is the surest way to avoid a rushed or invalid booking later.