Official announcement of the start of the new Umrah season
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the commencement of the 1448 AH Umrah season, as part of its early preparations to organize the journeys of pilgrims from around the world. The Ministry clarified that the process of issuing Umrah visas and the entry of pilgrims into the Kingdom will begin on Sunday, 14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH (May 31, 2026). This announcement is part of a comprehensive operational system aimed at facilitating the pilgrims' journey and raising the quality of services provided to them, thus ensuring a rich and safe spiritual experience.
The historical and organizational context of the Umrah season
As the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places paramount importance on serving pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. Historically, the Umrah season begins annually immediately after the Hajj season, allowing a brief period to prepare facilities and services to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. The early announcement of the new season dates reflects a proactive approach, enabling pilgrims, tourism companies, and travel agencies worldwide to plan their trips in advance. This meticulous organization also represents a continuation of the Kingdom's decades-long efforts to develop the infrastructure and logistics services in Makkah and Madinah to accommodate the ever-increasing number of pilgrims.
The importance of the season and its impact within the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The Umrah season holds immense religious, economic, and social significance. Locally, it is a key driver of economic activity in the cities of Mecca and Medina, revitalizing the hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors and creating thousands of job opportunities. Internationally, the successful organization of Umrah seasons reinforces the Kingdom's position as the heart of the Islamic world and a leader in serving pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques. These efforts align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to increase the capacity to receive Umrah pilgrims to 30 million annually and enrich their religious and cultural experience by providing advanced digital services and unprecedented facilities, such as the "Nusk" platform, which has become the unified portal for all Umrah procedures.
Timeline details and digital procedures
The Ministry clarified that the entry of pilgrims into Mecca and the issuance of necessary permits to perform the rituals via the “Nusk” application will officially begin on the 15th of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH (June 1, 2026). A precise timetable has been established for the entire season to ensure smooth operations. The last day for issuing Umrah visas is set for the 1st of Shawwal 1448 AH (March 9, 2027), while the last day for pilgrims to enter the Kingdom is the 15th of Shawwal 1448 AH (March 23, 2027). The final departure date for pilgrims is set for the 30th of Shawwal 1448 AH (April 7, 2027). The Ministry emphasized the necessity for all Umrah companies and service providers to adhere to these dates to ensure the success of operational plans and preparations for the following Hajj season.
