The Umrah season has reopened to international pilgrims following the conclusion of Hajj 2026, with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah resuming the issuance of permits and visas for the new 1448 AH season. Processing of Nusuk permits restarted on June 10, and pilgrims were able to begin entering the Grand Mosque to perform Umrah from June 11, which corresponds to 15 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH.
The reopening marks the start of a fresh pilgrimage calendar after the annual pause that surrounds the Hajj. In the weeks before Hajj, Saudi authorities suspend regular Umrah operations and restrict entry to Makkah to those holding Hajj permits. With this year's pilgrimage complete, the holy city is once again open to visitors from around the world who wish to perform the lesser pilgrimage.
Nusuk permits now mandatory for every pilgrim
The Nusuk application remains central to the entire process. For the 1448 AH season, every pilgrim must hold a valid Umrah permit issued through Nusuk before entering Masjid al-Haram. According to official guidance, without a confirmed, Nusuk-linked booking a permit will not be issued, even to those who already hold a valid visa.
The issuing of Nusuk permits typically takes between five and ten days. Pilgrims who submit their requests early in the season therefore stand a better practical chance of travelling during the opening weeks of June. The application also allows users to book appointments to visit the Rawdah in the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, an area that operates under its own timed-entry system because of heavy demand.
The Ministry has continued to expand direct access to the platform. Pilgrims from dozens of countries can now apply for an Umrah visa directly online, and integrated packages covering accommodation, transport and catering are arranged through Nusuk-approved providers. The aim, according to the Ministry, is to streamline arrivals and give pilgrims a single, organised channel for planning their journey.
New 30-day entry validity rule
One of the most important changes for the new season concerns visa validity. The entry validity period for Umrah visas has been reduced from around 90 days to just 30 days from the date the visa is issued. This means a pilgrim must enter Saudi Arabia within one month of receiving the visa, rather than within the three-month window allowed previously.
The duration of stay inside the Kingdom has not changed. Once a pilgrim enters Saudi Arabia, they may remain for up to 90 days to complete Umrah and to visit other parts of the country. The shorter entry window applies only to the period between issuance and arrival. The change is intended to help authorities plan arrivals more accurately and manage crowds across the season.
For travellers, the practical effect is that visa applications and flight bookings now need to be coordinated more closely than before. Applying too early, before travel plans are confirmed, risks the entry window expiring before departure.
Key dates for the 1448 AH season
The Ministry has set firm deadlines for the season. According to the published calendar, the final date for issuing electronic Umrah visas is March 9, 2027. International pilgrims must enter Saudi territory no later than March 23, 2027, and the final departure date for pilgrims is set for April 7, 2027.
These dates frame a season that runs from the days immediately after Hajj through to the spring of 2027, covering the months many pilgrims prefer for cooler weather and the spiritually significant nights of Ramadan.
Practical tips for pilgrims
Pilgrims planning their journey should keep several points in mind. Check the Nusuk app to confirm that permits are active before finalising travel, and submit permit requests as early as possible to allow for processing time. Ensure the passport meets validity requirements before applying. Remember that the 30-day entry deadline now runs from the moment the visa is issued, so visa and flight bookings should be arranged together. Booking accommodation and transport through Nusuk-approved providers will help avoid delays at the permit stage, and downloading the Nusuk app in advance allows pilgrims to manage permits, Rawdah appointments and timing alerts from a single place.