Ministry of Hajj and Umrah unveils full 1448 AH pilgrimage calendar, setting key entry and departure deadlines.
Riyadh — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the official calendar for the 1448 AH Umrah season, confirming that international visa issuance will resume on May 31, 2026. According to the Saudi Gazette, the ministry detailed key dates and electronic services for visa issuance, contractual procedures, and pilgrim reception.
The announcement follows the annual suspension of Umrah permits during the Hajj season. The Khaleej Times reported that Umrah permits via the Nusuk platform were suspended from April 18 to May 31, 2026, while entry into Makkah was restricted from April 13.
The official 1448 AH season milestones are:
- May 31, 2026: Umrah visa issuance resumes; international pilgrims may enter the Kingdom.
- June 1, 2026: Entry into Makkah permitted; Umrah permits available via the Nusuk app.
- March 9, 2027: Final date for Umrah visa issuance.
- March 23, 2027: Last date for pilgrim entry into the Kingdom.
- April 7, 2027: Deadline for pilgrim departures.
Pilgrims must apply through the Nusuk Umrah platform or licensed external agents authorised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The Saudi eVisa portal confirms that women aged 18 and above may apply and travel independently, without a male guardian (mahram). Gulf News added that the calendar is part of wider efforts to streamline procedures and improve the pilgrim experience through advanced digital systems and integrated operational services.
This follows record pilgrimage momentum. Arab News reported that the Kingdom’s Pilgrim Experience Program recorded a 101 percent increase in arrivals compared with 2022, with more than 16.92 million Umrah performers arriving from abroad in 2024. Saudi Vision 2030 targets 30 million annual Umrah pilgrims, supported by the Nusuk platform and its app, which has recorded over 44 million downloads and is now available in 190 countries, according to Argaam.
Gulf News reported that visit visa holders who attempt to perform Hajj or enter Makkah without authorisation face fines of up to 20,000 Saudi riyals, while residents found performing Hajj without a permit face deportation and a 10-year re-entry ban. Authorities have urged pilgrims and tour operators to adhere to all announced deadlines to avoid travel disruptions.
References
Saudi Gazette. “Pilgrims will start arriving on May 31 as Ministry of Hajj unveils new Umrah season calendar.” May 18, 2026. https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/661408/saudi-arabia/pilgrims-will-start-arriving-on-may-31-as-ministry-of-hajj-unveils-new-umrah-season-calendar
Gulf News. “Saudi Arabia announces 1448 AH Umrah season calendar: Key dates for visas, pilgrim entry and departures.” May 17, 2026. https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/saudi-arabia-announces-umrah-season-calendar-for-1448-ah-1.500543438
Khaleej Times. “Saudi Arabia temporarily halts issuing Umrah visas, restricts entry to Makkah ahead of Hajj 2026.” April 13, 2026. https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/gulf/saudi-arabia-hajj-2026-season-rules-makkah-entry-umrah-permits-suspended
Gulf News. “Saudi Arabia: All visit visas barred from Hajj access.” April 18, 2026. https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/saudi-arabia-all-visit-visas-barred-from-hajj-access-1.500511572
Arab News. “Saudi Arabia enhances pilgrimage journey with record growth, satisfaction.” July 6, 2025. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2607123/saudi-arabia
Argaam. “Umrah performers, pilgrims hit record levels: Vision 2030.” April 2026. https://www.argaam.com/en/article/articledetail/id/1899335
Saudi eVisa Portal. “Umrah visa requirements.” https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Saudi Arabia). FAQ portal. https://haj.gov.sa/en/FAQ
