Saudi Arabia sets dates for new Umrah season

Saudi Arabia will begin issuing visas and receiving pilgrims for the new Umrah season from 31 May 2026 under an operational calendar unveiled by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

 

Pilgrims will be able to enter Makkah (Mecca) and obtain permits through the government’s Nusuk pilgrimage platform from 1 June 2026. The deadline for issuing visas has been set for 9 March 2027, while the final date for pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia is 23 March 2027.

 

The ministry said 7 April 2027 will mark the final departure date for Umrah pilgrims and called on licensed operators and overseas agents to comply with the approved calendar and operational requirements throughout the season.

 

The latest calendar forms part of wider reforms aimed at improving pilgrimage operations and reducing congestion during peak travel periods. Saudi authorities are expanding the use of biometric screening, facial recognition and electronic permits across airports, land crossings and seaports as part of a wider digital processing system.

 

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Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) is overseeing the digital infrastructure alongside immigration, logistics and airport authorities, while mobile processing systems are being introduced to support elderly pilgrims and travellers with disabilities by reducing queue times and simplifying entry procedures.

 

The kingdom is also continuing reforms introduced in November 2025, when traditional tawafa organisations were replaced with licensed Hajj hospitality companies under amendments to the Foreign Pilgrim Service Providers Law. Under the revised framework, operators are directly responsible for accommodation, transport and pilgrim services.

 

Authorities have reaffirmed that official Hajj permits remain mandatory. The Ministry of Interior said individuals attempting to perform Hajj without permits could face fines of up to SAR20,000 (US$5,300), deportation and a 10-year re-entry ban. Restrictions on entering Makkah (Mecca) without valid permits also remain in place during the pilgrimage season.

 

For more information, visit www.haj.gov.sa