Saudi Arabia Sets Final Umrah Visa Deadlines as Pilgrimage Season Ends

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced strict final deadlines for the ongoing Umrah pilgrimage season.

“RIYADH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that the last day for issuing Umrah visas for the current annual Umrah season is the first of Shawwal, and the last day for the Umrah pilgrims to enter the Kingdom is Shawwal 15”

Saudi Gazette

The last date for issuing Umrah visas is set for the first of Shawwal.

Saudi Gazette

Pilgrims holding these visas will be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia until Shawwal 15.

Their final permitted stay in the Kingdom extends until the first of Dhul Qada.

After this date, Umrah pilgrims are expected to have completed their visits and departed the country.

The announcement was made during the ministry's 17th periodic meeting with Saudi Umrah companies.

This meeting was conducted virtually on Saturday, highlighting strict compliance with seasonal regulations.

The ministry has clearly distinguished between Umrah and Hajj visas.

Performing Hajj requires a specific Hajj visa and cannot be done using an Umrah visa.

The Times of India

This distinction was reiterated during periodic meetings with Umrah companies.

Officials highlighted that Hajj rituals must only be performed with a valid Hajj visa.

The ministry maintains this strict separation for proper organization and management.

Both pilgrimage types have different regulatory requirements and operational frameworks.

They hold religious significance to Muslim pilgrims worldwide.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah praised Umrah companies for their cooperation.

“RIYADH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that the last day for issuing Umrah visas for the current annual Umrah season is the first of Shawwal, and the last day for the Umrah pilgrims to enter the Kingdom is Shawwal 15”

Saudi Gazette

He acknowledged their efforts during the Ramadan period.

The minister recognized companies' contributions to serving pilgrims.

He specifically mentioned their work with stranded Umrah pilgrims.

Companies helped facilitate return journeys to home destinations.

This recognition came during the virtual meeting.

The minister invited companies to participate in the Umrah and Visit Forum 2026.

The forum aims to support partnerships and exchange expertise.

Periodic meetings strengthen communication with sector partners.

They monitor development of services provided to pilgrims.

The Times of India

Officials presented on Umrah season indicators and successes.

Preparations for the Umrah and Visit Forum were discussed.

Forums support partnerships and exchange expertise.

They showcase available opportunities in the sector.

This contributes to Vision 2030 goals.

The objective is improving the pilgrim experience.

The Umrah season approaches its closing phase.

“RIYADH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that the last day for issuing Umrah visas for the current annual Umrah season is the first of Shawwal, and the last day for the Umrah pilgrims to enter the Kingdom is Shawwal 15”

Saudi Gazette

The ministry emphasizes continued compliance with operational regulations.

Saudi Gazette

This includes staggered arrival times of pilgrims at airports.

Continuous updating of departure data via Nusk Masar platform is required.

These measures ensure efficient management of pilgrim flow.

They provide better services throughout the pilgrimage experience.

The ministry focuses on data management and systematic approaches.

This reflects commitment to maintaining high service standards.