Saudi Arabia has officially opened the 1448 AH Umrah season, with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirming that visa issuance resumed on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Pilgrims have been permitted to enter Makkah and obtain Umrah permits through the Nusuk application from Monday, June 1, marking the start of a new ten-month pilgrimage window.
The reopening follows the close of the Hajj 2026 season, during which Umrah visa issuance was suspended to manage crowd flow at the holy sites. The full 1448 AH calendar has been published, with the final exit deadline for pilgrims set at 15 Shawwal 1448 AH, corresponding to March 23, 2027.
Key Dates for the 1448 AH Season
According to the official calendar released by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the season follows a clear sequence:
- 14 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH / May 31, 2026: Umrah visa issuance resumes.
- 15 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH / June 1, 2026: Pilgrims may enter Makkah and obtain permits via Nusuk.
- 1 Shawwal 1448 AH / March 9, 2027: Final day for issuing Umrah visas.
- 15 Shawwal 1448 AH / March 23, 2027: Final permitted entry date for pilgrims under the 1448 AH season.
The structure mirrors previous seasons but consolidates several digital steps into a single platform. Saudi authorities have repeatedly stated that the goal is a smoother experience for pilgrims and tighter compliance for service providers.
Nusuk App Now Mandatory
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that Nusuk is now a requirement for every pilgrim, regardless of visa category. Without a confirmed Nusuk-linked booking, an Umrah permit will not be issued, even if the traveller holds a valid Umrah or tourist visa.
The application performs several functions:
- Generating the electronic Umrah permit required for entry to Makkah.
- Booking Rawdah visit slots at Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah.
- Validating pilgrim identity via QR code for on-site inspection by authorities.
The traditional Umrah visa sticker in passports has been largely replaced by a digital Umrah eVisa, issued electronically through the Nusuk platform. Pilgrims receive their permits directly within the app.
Visa Routes by Nationality
Travel route depends on the pilgrim's passport. Citizens of the 66 countries eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa can apply online through the Visit Saudi visa portal and use that visa to perform Umrah. Travellers from countries not on the eVisa list - including Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Egypt and most African nations - must apply through an authorised Umrah service provider licensed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Licensed agents submit the visa application alongside a verified Nusuk booking on the pilgrim's behalf. Pilgrims should confirm that any agent they use appears on the official ministry licensee list before paying any fees.
Health and Documentation Requirements
Standard documentation requirements remain in force:
- Passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
- Recent digital photograph with a white background.
- Confirmed round-trip airline tickets.
- Proof of accommodation in the Kingdom.
The Saudi Ministry of Health continues to require all pilgrims aged one year and older to show proof of the quadrivalent meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccine before entering the Kingdom. Pilgrims with respiratory or cardiac conditions are encouraged to consult their physician before travel.
Practical Advice for Pilgrims
For Muslims planning Umrah this season, a few steps reduce the risk of last-minute problems. Download Nusuk before departure and verify the digital permit is active in the app. Carry printed backups of accommodation and flight confirmations in case of connectivity issues at the airport. Allow time for the Nusuk identity verification process, which can take longer at peak periods such as Ramadan.
Umrah is a virtuous act in any season. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that performing one Umrah after another is an expiation for sins between them (Sahih al-Bukhari 1773). With visas now flowing again, the door to that reward is open for the ten months ahead.