Pilgrims planning Umrah in the 1448 AH season face a set of tightened visa rules, led by a shorter entry window and a requirement to confirm bookings before a visa is issued. The changes are now in force following the season's reopening, which began with visa issuance on May 31, 2026.

Shorter Entry Validity: 30 Days, Not 90

The most significant change concerns how long an Umrah visa remains valid before use. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has cut the entry validity from 90 days to 30 days. A visa must now be used to enter Saudi Arabia within one month of issuance, or it is cancelled automatically.

According to Gulf News and Al Arabiya, the countdown begins from the issue date, not the flight date. The cut applies only to entry. Once a pilgrim arrives, the permitted stay remains up to 90 days.

In practice, this means pilgrims should apply closer to their travel date. Applying months in advance risks the visa lapsing before departure. Confirming flights before the visa is issued helps avoid a wasted application.

No Booking, No Visa

A second major rule ties the visa directly to confirmed bookings. Pilgrims can no longer be issued an Umrah visa until they have logged verified hotel and transport reservations in the Nusuk platform.

The system generates a Booking Reference Number linked to the visa application. Without confirmed accommodation in a Nusuk-approved hotel and pre-booked ground transport, the visa will not be approved, and no permit is issued on arrival. Most tour operators bundle accommodation and transport into a single package to meet the requirement.

Nusuk Registration Now Universal

Every Umrah pilgrim must now register on Nusuk, with no country-based exemptions. The platform manages the visa link, the Umrah permit, mosque entry, and Rawdah reservation slots.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia has widened eligibility. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that holders of all visa types, including tourist eVisas, visit visas, and transit and work visas, may now perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. A dedicated Hajj visa is still required for Hajj, and Umrah visas do not permit work or residency.

Why the Rules Have Changed

The tightening comes as Umrah demand reaches record levels. During Ramadan 2026, Saudi Arabia reported that more than 900,000 worshippers performed Umrah at the Grand Mosque on a single day, one of the highest figures ever documented. Across the wider season, pilgrim numbers have climbed into the tens of millions.

Officials say the shorter entry window and the booking requirement are designed to smooth arrivals, reduce overcrowding, and cut down on pilgrims traveling without confirmed accommodation. Tying each visa to a verified booking and a Nusuk record gives authorities a clearer picture of how many pilgrims to expect and when. The measures also support the Kingdom's goal of hosting 30 million Umrah pilgrims a year by 2030.

Key Season Deadlines

The 1448 AH season carries fixed cut-off dates. Visa issuance began on May 31, 2026, and entry to Makkah with permits opened on June 1. The final day to issue Umrah visas is March 9, 2027. The last date for pilgrim entry is March 23, 2027, and all pilgrims must depart by April 7, 2027.

Practical Tips for Pilgrims

  • Apply close to travel: With a 30-day entry window, avoid applying too far ahead. Lock in your flights first.
  • Book before you apply: Secure Nusuk-approved hotel and transport bookings so your Booking Reference Number is ready.
  • Register on Nusuk early: Set up your Nusuk account in advance to handle your permit, mosque entry, and Rawdah slots.
  • Watch the departure deadline: Plan to enter before March 23, 2027, and leave by April 7, 2027, to avoid fines that can affect future applications.