The last date to issue Umrah visa for 2026 is 20 March 2026. Pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia before 3 April 2026 and exit before 18 April 2026, according to official Saudi Arabia Umrah regulations for 1447 AH.
If you are planning a pilgrimage in the 1447 AH season, timing is your most critical factor. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has moved to an accelerated calendar to prepare the Holy Cities for Hajj.
These are the official deadlines for the 1447 AH (2026) Umrah season to ensure all pilgrims vacate the Kingdom before the Hajj season begins.
- Last Date to Apply for Umrah Visa: March 20, 2026 (1 Shawwal 1447)
- Last Date for Entry into Saudi Arabia: April 3, 2026 (15 Shawwal 1447)
- Mandatory Departure (Last Exit Date): April 18, 2026 (1 Dhul Qadah 1447)
Performing Umrah in 2026 requires careful planning to align with the regulatory shifts of the 1447 AH season. As the Saudi government prepares for Hajj, strict cut-off dates have been established to ensure the Holy Cities are ready for millions of arrivals.
This guide outlines the critical deadlines, new visa rules, and essential requirements to ensure your pilgrimage is successful.
1. Umrah 2026 Closing Dates: When Does Umrah Stop Before Hajj?
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has released three “red-letter” dates. These are designed to clear Makkah and Madinah for deep cleaning and infrastructure maintenance before the Hajj season begins in May.
A. Last Date for Umrah Visa Issuance: March 20, 2026
This is the final day for the planning phase.
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What it means: Electronic systems on the Nusuk platform and travel agent portals will shut down for new Umrah visa applications on this date (approx. 1 Shawwal 1447 AH).
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The Risk: If your visa isn’t secured by this date, you must wait until the new season begins (likely late June 2026).
Indian pilgrims must obtain Umrah visa before 20 March 2026. Entry will not be allowed after 3 April 2026.
B. Last Date for Entry into Saudi Arabia: April 3, 2026
Even with a valid visa, you must physically arrive in the Kingdom by this date.
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What it means: April 3, 2026 (15 Shawwal 1447 AH), is the absolute cut-off for international arrivals.
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Enforcement: Airlines are strictly prohibited from boarding passengers with Umrah visas after this deadline.
C. Mandatory Exit Date: April 18, 2026
This is the “hard exit” for the entire Umrah season.
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What it means: All Umrah pilgrims must depart Saudi Arabia by April 18, 2026 (1 Dhul Qadah 1447 AH).
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The Penalty: Overstaying is a serious immigration violation, potentially leading to heavy fines, deportation, and a multi-year ban from the Kingdom.
At-A-Glance Schedule
| Milestone | Gregorian Date (2026) | Hijri Date (1447 AH) |
| Umrah visa last date | March 20, 2026 | 1 Shawwal 1447 |
| Last entry date / Final Entry via Air/Sea/Land | April 3, 2026 | 15 Shawwal 1447 |
| Exit deadline / Final Departure from KSA Saudi Arabia | April 18, 2026 | 1 Dhul Qadah 1447 |
When does Umrah stop before Hajj 2026? The season officially winds down in mid-April. To ensure a smooth journey, you must hit these three “red-letter” dates:
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March 19/20, 2026: The last date for Umrah visa 1447 issuance. Electronic systems on Nusuk will shut down for new applications after this date.
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April 2/3, 2026: The last day to enter Saudi for Umrah 2026. Even with a valid visa, airlines are prohibited from boarding pilgrims after this cut-off.
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April 18, 2026: The mandatory exit date for Umrah 1447 AH. Every international pilgrim must depart the Kingdom by this “hard exit” to allow for Hajj infrastructure maintenance.
Performing Umrah on a Tourist Visa: 2026 Rules
Many travelers ask, “Can I perform Umrah after April 18 on a personal visit visa or tourist E-Visa?” While a Saudi Tourist Visa is valid for a year, entry into Makkah for Umrah is strictly restricted after the seasonal cut-off. As Hajj 2026 approaches, security checkpoints will verify Hajj permits. Even if you are already inside the country, the Nusuk app will stop issuing Umrah permits to non-Hajj pilgrims to manage crowd safety. If you plan to visit in Shawwal, ensure you complete your rituals and exit Makkah before the April 18 deadline.
2. Why Does Umrah Close Early in 2026?
The early closure is a logistical necessity for the scale of Hajj 2026:
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Hotel Re-allocation: Central Area hotels in Makkah shift from short-term Umrah stays to 20–40 day Hajj bookings.
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Infrastructure Upgrades: Authorities use this window to service HVAC systems, elevators, and transport networks.
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Security Transition: Protocols shift to a “Hajj environment” requiring specific Nusuk Hajj cards for entry.
3. Important Visa Rule Changes for 2026
The “30-Day” Entry Window
A significant change for the 1447 AH season is the shortened entry period.
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The Rule: You must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of your visa being issued (down from the previous 90-day window).
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Strategy: Secure your flights first, then apply for your visa roughly 3 weeks before departure.
Stay Validity vs. Seasonal Cut-offs
Warning: The seasonal exit deadline of April 18 overrides any individual visa duration. If you enter on April 1, you do not get a 90-day stay; you must still depart by April 18.
Important Notice for 2026 Pilgrims: While the standard Saudi Umrah Visa allows for a 90-day stay, the seasonal deadline overrides this. Even if you enter Saudi Arabia on April 1st, 2026, you must exit by April 18th (1 Dhul Qadah). Remaining in the Kingdom past this date is a violation of Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah regulations and may result in fines or future entry bans.
4. Requirements for Umrah Visa 2026
To ensure your visa is granted before the March 19 deadline, have the following ready:
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Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
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Nusuk Registration: Mandatory for booking Umrah and Rawdah permits.
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Confirmed Bookings: A confirmed return flight and a hotel booking linked to a BRN (Booking Reference Number).
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Vaccinations: Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination is mandatory and must be administered at least 10 days before arrival.
5. 2026 Umrah Planning Calendar
| Period | Season Status | Recommendation |
| Jan – Feb 2026 | Peak/Safe Season | Best Time: Pleasant weather and no deadline pressure. |
| Mar 1 – Mar 15 | High Demand | Ramadan: Extremely crowded; ensure visa issuance by Mar 15. |
| March 20, 2026 | System Shutdown | Last Day: Final deadline to issue Umrah visas. |
| April 3, 2026 | Last Entry | Final Arrival: High risk of flight delays causing entry denial. |
| April 18, 2026 | Mandatory Exit | Hard Deadline: All pilgrims must depart the Kingdom. |
6. Expert Tips for 2026 Pilgrims
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Avoid “Open” Return Tickets: Ensure your return is confirmed for on or before April 16 to provide a buffer for flight delays.
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The Shawwal Window: The tranquility of Shawwal is very brief in 2026 (first two weeks of April). Book for the very start of the month.
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Monitor Nusuk: If using a Tourist E-Visa, check permit availability early, as restrictions tighten in late April.
Summary Checklist
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Apply for visa by March 20, 2026.
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Land in Saudi Arabia by April 3, 2026.
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Schedule departure by April 18, 2026.
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Download and register on the Nusuk App.
Your Umrah 2026 Search Queries Answered
1. What is the last date to apply for an Umrah visa in 2026?
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set March 20, 2026 (1 Shawwal 1447 AH), as the final day for Umrah visa issuance. After this date, electronic systems will close to new applications to prepare for the Hajj season. We recommend checking the latest Umrah visa requirements and applying at least three weeks early to avoid system delays.
2. Can I enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah after April 3, 2026?
No. The absolute cut-off for international arrivals is April 3, 2026 (15 Shawwal 1447 AH). Even if you hold a valid visa, airlines are instructed not to board passengers after this date. If you are traveling with family, ensure you follow the specific Umrah visa rules for children to ensure their permits are synchronized with your arrival.
3. When is the mandatory exit deadline for Umrah pilgrims in 2026?
All Umrah pilgrims must depart Saudi Arabia by April 18, 2026 (1 Dhul Qadah 1447 AH). This “hard exit” allows authorities to clear Makkah for Hajj logistics. Overstaying this date can lead to heavy fines and future entry bans. For help planning your budget and stay within these dates, see our guide on Umrah visa fees and costs.
4. Are there special Umrah visa rules for women in 2026?
Yes, while women can now perform Umrah without a male guardian (Mahram), they must still adhere to specific administrative guidelines and visa types. It is crucial to understand these nuances before the March 19 visa deadline. You can find more detailed information in our dedicated resource on Umrah visa rules for women.
5. What happens if my visa has a 90-day validity but the season closes?
The seasonal exit deadline of April 18, 2026, overrides any individual visa validity. Even if your visa states you can stay for 90 days, you must exit by the seasonal cutoff. Before you travel, ensure you know your Miqat locations for Umrah to enter the state of Ihram correctly and maximize your limited time in the Holy Cities.
Can I perform Umrah during Ramadan 2026?
Yes. Ramadan 1447 AH is expected to begin around February 18, 2026. This is peak season. Ensure your visa is processed well before the Shawwal deadline to avoid the rush.
What happens if I overstay the April 18 deadline?
The April 18, 2026 (1 Dhul Qadah) deadline is strict to allow for Hajj preparations. Overstaying can lead to a fine of up to SAR 50,000, deportation, and a multi-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia.
Is the Nusuk App still required for 2026?
Yes, all pilgrims must use the Nusuk App to book their Umrah permits and prayer times in the Rawdah. Deadlines for visa entry do not change the requirement for a valid permit on the app.
What is the last date of Umrah visa issuance 2026?
The final day to obtain your visa is March 20, 2026 (1 Shawwal 1447 AH). We recommend applying at least 10 days before this date to account for any system delays during the busy Ramadan/Eid transition.
When will Umrah reopen after Hajj 2026?
The new Umrah season 1448 is expected to begin in early to mid-June 2026. Visa issuance typically resumes around June 10, shortly after the Hajj rituals conclude and the Holy Sites are cleared.
Is there a penalty for overstaying the April 18 deadline?
Yes. Staying in the Kingdom past the mandatory exit date for Umrah 1447 AH is a serious immigration violation. It can result in a fine of up to SAR 50,000, deportation, and a multi-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia.
Can I perform Umrah in the last 10 days of Ramadan 2026?
Yes, but you must be careful. Since Ramadan 2026 ends around March 19, your visa must be issued before the system closes on that day. It is the busiest time of the year, so ensure your transport and Makkah hotel bookings are linked to a BRN (Booking Reference Number) immediately.
Why does Umrah stop before Hajj 2026?
Yes, all pilgrims must use the Nusuk App to book their Umrah permits and prayer times in the Rawdah. Deadlines for visa entry do not change the requirement for a valid permit on the app.