Saudi Arabia has reduced the entry validity of the Umrah visa from roughly three months to just 30 days for the 1448 AH season. The change means pilgrims must now travel to the Kingdom within one month of their visa being issued, or the visa will expire and a fresh application will be required.
The measure was announced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah as part of its calendar for the new season. According to the ministry, the shorter window is intended to improve operational efficiency and help service providers plan pilgrim flows more accurately across the months ahead.
What has changed and what has not
The key change concerns the period between visa issuance and entry. Previously, a pilgrim could enter the Kingdom at any point within about 90 days of the visa being granted. Under the new rule, that entry window is limited to 30 days.
The duration of stay inside Saudi Arabia has not changed. Once a pilgrim enters the country, they may remain for up to 90 days to complete their Umrah and visit Madinah. In short, the time allowed inside the Kingdom is the same; only the deadline to arrive has been tightened.
The practical effect is that pilgrims should apply for the Umrah visa only after their travel dates are firm. Booking flights and accommodation before the visa is issued, then applying once the trip is confirmed, reduces the risk of a visa lapsing before departure.
Season dates and the Nusuk requirement
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that visa issuance and pilgrim arrivals for the 1448 AH season began on May 31, 2026. Pilgrims were able to enter Makkah and obtain Umrah permits through the Nusuk application from June 1, 2026.
The ministry set the final date for issuing Umrah visas at March 9, 2027. Pilgrims will be permitted to enter the Kingdom until March 23, 2027, with April 7, 2027 fixed as the final departure date for Umrah performers. The ministry called on Umrah companies and overseas agents to follow the approved timetable closely.
For the new season, the Nusuk platform remains central. Pilgrims are expected to secure permits and, in many cases, verified accommodation through Nusuk before or upon arrival. Requirements vary by country, and some nationalities continue to apply through approved agents rather than directly on the platform, so pilgrims should confirm the exact process for their passport before booking.
Penalties for overstaying
Saudi authorities have paired the tighter calendar with firm warnings on compliance. The Ministry of Interior stated that those who overstay pilgrimage visas face severe penalties, including fines of up to SAR50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and deportation.
The ministry stressed the importance of complying with season regulations and cooperating with authorities to safeguard the safety of pilgrims during busy periods. Officials urged the public to report violations through the Kingdom's emergency lines.
Practical tips for pilgrims
Pilgrims planning Umrah this season should keep several points in mind. First, confirm travel dates and complete flight and hotel bookings before applying, so the 30-day entry window is not wasted while arrangements are finalised. Second, treat the visa issuance date, not the travel date, as the start of the countdown. Third, complete all steps through the official Nusuk platform and verify the procedure for your nationality with a licensed agent. Finally, respect the permitted stay and depart before the visa period ends to avoid fines and future travel restrictions.