Pilgrims planning Umrah during the newly opened 1448 AH season must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of their visa being issued, a sharp reduction from the previous window of roughly three months. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah tightened the rule as the kingdom resumed visa issuance on May 31, 2026, and reopened Makkah to international pilgrims through the Nusuk application on June 1.
The change is one of several measures designed to manage the volume of arrivals across the season, which runs until pilgrims are permitted to enter the kingdom up to March 23, 2027. According to Saudi authorities, the final date for issuing Umrah visas is March 9, 2027.
What the New Rule Means
The 30-day countdown begins on the date the visa is issued, not on the date of the pilgrim's flight. If a traveller does not enter the kingdom within that window, the visa is automatically cancelled and a new application is required.
Importantly, the reduction applies to the entry window only. Once a pilgrim has entered Saudi Arabia, the permitted length of stay remains unchanged. Umrah visa holders may remain in the kingdom for up to 90 days from the date of arrival, leaving ample time to complete Umrah, visit Madinah, and travel between the holy cities.
The ministry has paired the shorter window with a requirement that pilgrims hold confirmed bookings before a visa is granted. A verified hotel reservation and transport booking made through the Nusuk platform, each carrying a booking reference number, must be in place before the visa application is processed.
Why Saudi Arabia Made the Change
Officials have described the measures as part of a broader effort to regulate the flow of pilgrims and reduce the number of unused or speculative visas issued well ahead of travel. By aligning visa issuance more closely with actual departure dates, the authorities aim to improve crowd planning at the Grand Mosque and across Makkah and Madinah.
The Nusuk app remains mandatory for all pilgrims regardless of visa type. It serves as the central portal for Umrah permits, Rawdah visit appointments in Madinah, and the scheduling slots that govern entry to the holy sites.
Practical Guidance for Pilgrims
The single most important adjustment for travellers is timing. Pilgrims and agents should apply for the Umrah visa close to the intended travel date rather than months in advance, so the visa does not expire before departure.
Before applying, pilgrims should secure a confirmed Nusuk hotel and transport booking and keep the reference number to hand. They should also download the Nusuk app, complete their profile, and book an Umrah permit slot ahead of arrival, as entry to the Grand Mosque is granted only to those holding a valid digital permit.
Finally, travellers should plan their itinerary within the 90-day stay limit and confirm their exit before the season's closing deadlines. Pilgrims who book through licensed operators should ask their agent to confirm in writing that the visa has been issued and the entry window noted, so there is no confusion over the date the 30-day clock began.