Umrah After Hajj 2026: Key Points Pilgrims Need to Know

IQNA – Pilgrims planning an Umrah trip in 2026 will need to work around a six-week suspension of permits from mid-April through late May, with normal visa issuance expected to restart once Hajj ends.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended Umrah permit issuance via the Nusuk platform from 18 April to 31 May 2026 to prepare for Hajj.

When Umrah visas will resume

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended Umrah permit issuance via the Nusuk platform from April 18 to May 31, 2026, to prepare for Hajj.

Based on this suspension window and previous post-Hajj patterns, the 1448 AH Umrah season is widely expected to reopen in early to mid-June 2026 — with industry estimates pointing to visa issuance resuming around 10 June 2026 and first international pilgrim arrivals from June 11 onwards.

Hajj 1447 AH is expected to run from May 25 to 30, 2026 (8 to 13 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447), subject to the official moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.

Umrah visa issuance typically restarts within about two weeks of Hajj concluding, once the holy sites are cleared and reset for Umrah operations.

The Ministry has not yet announced a specific 1448 AH reopening date. Travellers planning a June or July trip should monitor official announcements on Nusuk and the Ministry’s channels before locking in flights to Jeddah or Medina.

How to apply once the season reopens

All Umrah visa applications must go through the Nusuk Umrah platform or an approved travel agent.

Nusuk is now the sole official channel for Umrah bookings, permits, and packages.

 

Holders of a valid Saudi tourist eVisa from eligible nationalities can also perform Umrah without a separate Umrah visa, outside the Hajj restricted period. The tourist eVisa covers entry for Umrah purposes once the 1448 AH Umrah season officially reopens on Nusuk.

Applicants should have:

·         a passport valid for at least six months

·         a recent photo

·         proof of accommodation in Mecca or Medina

·         a confirmed return flight.

Bookings for hotels in Mecca and hotels in Medina should be made through Nusuk-approved providers where required by your package.

Rules for 1448 AH season

·         Pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the Umrah visa being issued, down from the previous 90 days, per the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. If you miss this 30-day entry window, the visa lapses and you will need to reapply through Nusuk.

·         Maximum stay on an Umrah visa remains 90 days from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.

Source: wego.com