Pilgrims planning Umrah during the current 1448 AH season face a tighter set of entry and booking rules than in previous years. Saudi Arabia has shortened visa entry windows, made verified bookings compulsory before a visa is issued, and introduced pre-arrival checks that must be completed before an Umrah permit is granted.
The changes are managed through Nusuk, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's official digital platform, which now controls the entire process from visa application to entry at the gates of Masjid al-Haram. Understanding the new requirements is essential for anyone booking a journey this season.
A shorter window to enter the Kingdom
Under the updated rules, an Umrah visa must be used to enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the date it is issued, down from the earlier 90-day window. If a pilgrim does not arrive within that period, the visa is automatically cancelled. Once inside the Kingdom, however, the total permitted stay of up to 90 days remains in place.
The practical effect is that travellers should confirm their flights and accommodation before applying for the visa, then submit the application roughly three weeks ahead of departure. Applying too early risks the visa expiring before the trip begins.
No booking, no visa
Saudi Arabia has introduced what officials describe as a "No Booking, No Visa" policy. Every Umrah visa application must now be linked to a verified Booking Reference Number for both accommodation and transport before the visa can be issued.
The hotel booking must cover the full duration of the stay, and staying with relatives in Makkah no longer exempts a pilgrim from reserving a verified hotel. A transport booking, such as a one-way airport transfer from Jeddah or Madinah, must also be attached to the application. Bookings need to be made through Nusuk or a licensed partner so that the reference number syncs with the ministry's visa system. Without it, the application is rejected.
Saudi Arabia has also broadened who may perform Umrah. Under the "Any Visa Is an Umrah Visa" policy, holders of tourist, transit or personal-visit visas can perform Umrah, provided the visa is linked to Nusuk and a permit is issued through the app before entering Makkah.
Pre-arrival data and health requirements
Every Umrah pilgrim must now complete a Pre-Arrival Readiness Data submission on Nusuk. This includes a verified hotel booking reference, confirmed round-trip flight tickets, passport and visa details, and proof of meningitis vaccination. Incomplete submissions block permit issuance even if the visa itself has been approved.
On health, Saudi Arabia's published requirements call for an accepted ACYW quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine administered at least ten days before arrival. Pilgrims are advised to keep an official vaccination certificate ready, as it forms part of the pre-arrival checks.
Season dates to keep in mind
Visa issuance for the 1448 season resumed on 31 May 2026, with pilgrims able to enter Makkah and obtain Nusuk permits from 1 June 2026. The season formally began on 16 June 2026. According to published calendars, the last Umrah visas for the season will be issued on 9 March 2027, the final arrival date for pilgrims is 23 March 2027, and all Umrah pilgrims must exit the Kingdom by 7 April 2027.
Practical tips for pilgrims: Book a verified hotel and transport before applying for the visa, and confirm the booking reference has been linked to your Nusuk file. Complete the meningitis vaccination early and keep the certificate with your travel documents. Submit your Pre-Arrival Readiness Data well before departure, and apply for the visa only once your travel dates are fixed so the 30-day entry window is not wasted.