Saudi Arabia recorded more than 15.2 million Umrah pilgrims during the first three months of 2026, official statistics show, underlining the growing global demand for visits to Makkah and Madinah. According to figures reported by Travel And Tour World, a total of 15,233,767 pilgrims performed Umrah between 1 January and 31 March 2026.
The quarterly total ranks among the busiest periods for Umrah travel on record. It reflects both strong demand from within the Kingdom and a steady flow of international visitors arriving to complete the pilgrimage during the winter and early spring months. The scale of the movement points to the continued expansion of Saudi Arabia's religious tourism sector.
Domestic and international pilgrims
Domestic pilgrims made up the largest share of Umrah performers during the quarter. Around 9.5 million residents of Saudi Arabia completed Umrah in the period, while international visitors accounted for approximately 5.77 million pilgrims.
The figures point to the importance of both local and overseas demand within the Kingdom's pilgrimage sector. Millions of international travellers arrived from Asia, Africa, Europe and beyond, while residents inside the Kingdom remained a major contributor to overall numbers.
According to the reported data, men represented 56.4 per cent of Umrah performers, with women making up much of the remainder. The volume of pilgrims in a single quarter illustrates the extensive coordination required across airports, transport networks, accommodation providers and religious services. Hotels, airlines, buses, rail services and tour operators all experience sharp increases in activity when millions of visitors move through the two holy cities at the same time.
Air travel leads pilgrim arrivals
International aviation remained the primary gateway for overseas Umrah pilgrims. Around 86 per cent of international pilgrims, roughly 4.96 million travellers, entered Saudi Arabia through airports during the quarter.
Land routes carried a smaller but still significant share. Approximately 13.6 per cent of overseas pilgrims, around 784,000 people, arrived through land border crossings. Sea arrivals accounted for about 23,000 pilgrims, or 0.4 per cent of international visitors.
The pattern confirms that air connectivity is the backbone of international Umrah mobility, while land and sea routes offer additional options for pilgrims from nearby regions. Airports, airlines and ground transport providers therefore play a central role in connecting overseas visitors with Makkah and Madinah.
A structured season ahead
The strong first-quarter performance comes as Saudi Arabia manages the wider Umrah season through fixed travel deadlines. Pilgrims and operators plan around set dates for visa issuance, entry and departure, which creates a structured framework for organising international journeys. Advance preparation remains essential to complete visa procedures, confirm flights and arrange accommodation within the approved window.
What the numbers mean for pilgrims
The record total reflects the sustained growth of Saudi Arabia's pilgrimage infrastructure. High volumes place pressure on flights, hotels and transport during peak periods, which makes early planning increasingly important for those intending to travel.
For pilgrims preparing for Umrah, a few practical steps can help. Book flights and accommodation well in advance, especially during popular months. Confirm that hotel and transport reservations are linked through the official Nusuk platform, which is now required for permits. Allow extra time at airports during busy periods, and keep travel documents and permits accessible throughout the journey. Pilgrims should also check the latest visa validity and entry deadlines before booking, as these are set on a fixed seasonal calendar.