Saudi Arabia has laid out the full calendar for the 1448 AH Umrah season, giving pilgrims a clear window that runs from the season's opening in mid-2026 to its final departure deadline in April 2027. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah published the dates as part of its effort to streamline procedures and help pilgrims plan their journeys in advance.
The season has already opened. According to Gulf News, Umrah visa issuance and pilgrim arrivals began on May 31, 2026, with pilgrims able to enter Makkah and obtain Umrah permits through the Nusuk application from June 1, 2026. What many pilgrims overlook, however, are the closing deadlines that mark the end of the season.
The Key Closing Deadlines
The 1448 AH calendar sets three critical end-of-season dates that every pilgrim planning a later trip should note.
The final date for issuing Umrah visas is March 9, 2027. Pilgrims will be permitted to enter the kingdom until March 23, 2027. The deadline for all pilgrims to depart is April 7, 2027.
These dates matter because the Umrah season closes ahead of the Hajj period each year, when authorities shift the holy sites toward Hajj operations. Pilgrims who plan to perform Umrah late in the season must build their travel around these deadlines, leaving enough margin to enter, complete their rituals and depart on time.
Shorter Visa Validity and the Nusuk Requirement
The 1448 AH season also carries forward important rule changes that affect how pilgrims plan. Saudi Arabia reduced the validity period of the Umrah entry visa from three months to one month from the date of issuance. The permitted length of stay after arrival in the kingdom remains unchanged at up to three months.
This change means pilgrims should not obtain a visa too far in advance of travel. A visa issued more than a month before the intended trip may expire before departure.
The Nusuk platform remains mandatory for all pilgrims, regardless of visa type. Umrah permits are issued through the Nusuk application, and pilgrims must hold confirmed, Nusuk-linked bookings to receive a permit. In several countries, including India and Pakistan, pilgrims cannot file an Umrah visa application without a pre-linked booking reference confirming hotel and ground transport arrangements.
Planning Around the Calendar
The ministry has stressed the importance of complying with season regulations and cooperating with authorities, noting that violators face legal action under the kingdom's rules. For most pilgrims, compliance is simply a matter of careful planning.
Pilgrims considering Umrah during the 1448 AH season should keep several points in mind. Those aiming for a late-season trip should plan to complete entry well before the March 23, 2027 cutoff and to depart before April 7, 2027. Because the entry visa is now valid for only one month, it is best to apply close to the intended travel date rather than far ahead. All hotel and transport bookings should be confirmed and linked in Nusuk before applying, since a permit will not be issued without them.
Pilgrims should also factor in the natural rhythm of the season. The early post-Hajj months and quieter periods often bring shorter queues and easier access to the Haram, while the weeks before the season closes can be busier as pilgrims rush to travel before the deadlines. Booking ahead, monitoring official announcements through Nusuk, and allowing buffer time around the closing dates all help ensure a smooth and accepted Umrah.