The Umrah season for 1448 AH has officially reopened, with Saudi Arabia resuming visa issuance on May 31, 2026 and admitting the first pilgrims to Makkah from June 1. According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, permits for the Grand Mosque are now issued exclusively through the Nusuk application, marking a further step in the Kingdom's drive to digitize the year-round pilgrimage.
The reopening follows the close of the 1447 AH Hajj season and the standard suspension of Umrah permits that precedes it. Pilgrims worldwide can once again plan visits, but they face a tighter visa window and a fully app-based permit system.
A Digital-First Permit System
The most significant change for this season is the central role of the Nusuk platform. According to the Ministry, only pilgrims using the Nusuk app can obtain permits to perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque. The app issues an electronic entry code after booking, provides time-slot alerts, displays peak-period warnings, and offers multilingual support.
Appointments to pray in the Rawdah Al-Sharifah at the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah are also booked through the app. The Ministry has kept several channels open for obtaining the visa itself, including the electronic visa platform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accredited agents, and integrated packages booked through Nusuk.
Shorter Visa Validity and Season Dates
Pilgrims should note a key adjustment to the rules. The entry validity period for the Umrah visa has been reduced from roughly 90 days to 30 days from the date of issuance, according to reporting by Gulf Business. This means travelers must enter the Kingdom within one month of receiving their visa rather than the previous three-month window.
The Ministry has set firm boundaries for the season. The final date for issuing Umrah visas is March 9, 2027, and pilgrims will be permitted to enter the Kingdom until March 23, 2027. These dates give operators and families a clear planning horizon across the months ahead.
Safety and Crowd Management
Saudi authorities have reiterated a comprehensive set of safety regulations, published in multiple languages, to manage the influx of millions of worshippers. Digital boards at the entrances to the Grand Mosque display prayer-area capacity in green when space is available and red when full. Private vehicles face restrictions in the central area, and pilgrims are encouraged to use public transport, including taxis, buses, and the Haramain High-Speed Railway.
Special arrangements remain in place for vulnerable groups, including separate prayer areas, priority pathways, and electric carts for the elderly and people with disabilities. The Ministry advises families against bringing young children into crowded areas during peak hours. Carrying weapons, smoking, begging, unlicensed selling, and obstructing traffic are all prohibited.
Practical Tips for Pilgrims
Those planning Umrah this season should download and register on the Nusuk app before travel, since it is now essential for permits and Rawdah bookings. Because the visa is valid for entry for only 30 days, pilgrims should align their visa application closely with their travel dates to avoid expiry. It is wise to book Grand Mosque and Rawdah slots early, follow the green and red capacity boards, stay hydrated against heat, and note the emergency exits at one's accommodation. Booking through accredited agents or official Nusuk packages remains the safest route to a smooth pilgrimage.