Umrah season 2026: Take note of these key dates
And the last date for Umrah pilgrims to enter the country has been revealed
After a successful peak Umrah season this Ramadan, Saudi Arabia has just revealed key dates for the current Umrah season 2026. These were announced during the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s 17th periodic meeting with Saudi Umrah companies, held this past Saturday virtually.
According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s key dates for the current Umrah season 2026, the last day for issuing Umrah visas for the current annual Umrah season is the first of Shawwal (either Thursday March 19 or Friday March 20), and the last day for the Umrah pilgrims to enter the Kingdom is Shawwal 15 (April 2 or April 3).
The ministry stated that the last day for pilgrims to exit the Kingdom will be the first of Dhul Qada (possibly April 18), after which the Hajj season will begin. The ministry emphasised the necessity of adhering to the rules of the Hajj season. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stated that Hajj must be performed with a valid Hajj visa and shall not be performed with an Umrah visa.
According to Saudi Gazette, the minister stressed the importance of continued compliance with the regulations and instructions governing the Umrah season, including the staggered arrival times of pilgrims at airports and the continuous updating of their departure data via the Nusk Masar platform.
Key dates in order
- Either Thursday March 19 or Friday March 20: last day for issuing Umrah visas for the current annual Umrah season
- Shawwal 15 (April 2 or April 3): last day for the Umrah pilgrims to enter the Kingdom
- Dhul Qada 1 (possibly April 17 or April 18): last day for pilgrims to exit the Kingdom
Hajj 2026: domestic bookings are already open
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah explained in its statement that applicants wishing to perform Hajj can review the packages and choose the most suitable one, and then issue a booking invoice and pay using the “SADAD” system. Read more about the process and categories here.
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