Umrah visas for 2026 are expected to close before Hajj, with the last date for visa issuance around March 19 2026, final entry by early April 2026, and all pilgrims required to depart by April 18 2026. After Hajj, Umrah usually reopens shortly, with new visa issuance expected to resume in mid-June 2026, around June 10 2026, following the usual Saudi government schedule.
March 19 is the last day to apply for an Umrah visa. Umrah Package providers can apply for their customers' Umrah visas before the closing date. It is a rule of the Saudi government that it will not issue a visa after the final closing date. The closing date of the Umrah visa is March 19 2026. After this time, they will no longer accept any Umrah visa applications. It does not matter where you belong, what your nationality is; these are strict and final rules.
Last Entry Date of Umrah Pilgrim
The last entry date for the Umrah pilgrim is April 03 2026. This is the final arrival date for Umrah pilgrims. After this date, they can’t enter the Kingdom for Umrah. Even if someone holds a visa, they can’t enter the Kingdom for Umrah. All the airlines and border systems will enforce this strictly. Umrah visa holders will not be allowed to enter saudia for the Umrah pilgrimage after this final date. This is one of the most important dates for travellers planning spring Umrah.
Mandatory Departure Deadline
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also requires all Umrah pilgrims to leave the country before the Hajj pilgrimage. Last departure date for Umrah pilgrims is April 18 2026. If you don't leave the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia before, you'll be deported by the government. This date marks the full transition window from a smaller to a larger scale. Saudi authorities are preparing Makkah and Madinah for the broader Hajj.
When does Umrah reopen after Hajj 2026?
After the completion of the Hajj, a new season of Umrah will start. This new season usually begins shortly after the Hajj. In mid-June 2026, Umrah visa applications will begin. Following last year's pattern, Visa issuance is expected to reopen around June 10, 2026. The arrival of international pilgrims for the new 2026 season is expected to start on or around June 11, 2026, for e-visas (tourist and EVW), approximately June 01.
What Pilgrims Should do if they Plan Umrah Close to the Deadline?
As the Saudi Umrah announcement for 2026 is made by the official final date, make plans to finish your Umrah at least seven to ten days in advance. This buffer helps you account for any personal emergencies or travel delays. You can make use of only trustworthy, licensed travel agents who are well-versed in the 2026 Umrah travel regulations.
The objective is to have a spiritually rewarding journey without worrying about meeting the tight government-mandated Umrah deadline in 2026. You can be focused on your worship and have peace of mind if you plan for an earlier date.
Best Time to Book Umrah Packages 2026
If your primary goal is to find the Best Time to book Umrah Packages 2026 for Better Rates to save money, target the "Post-Hajj" and "Post-Ramadan" windows:
Muharram & Safar (June/July 2026) are the prime time. Immediately after Hajj, demand drops significantly. This is the absolute Best Time to book Umrah Packages 2026 for Better Rates, as hotels offer deep discounts to fill empty rooms.
Shawwal (April 2026) is also the best time for budget-friendly Umrah. Following the massive rush of Ramadan, April is a "sweet spot" for those seeking the Best Time to book Umrah Packages for Better Rates while still enjoying an elevated spiritual atmosphere.
Umrah Visa Rules after the Last Umrah Date
The regulations will change significantly once the Saudi Umrah visa suspension takes effect. Until after the Hajj season, no new specific Umrah visas will be granted for entry into the Kingdom.
- Any Saudi Umrah visa holders after the Umrah 2026 Deadline will not be able to perform Umrah anymore.
- Working visa holders, tourists, or family visa holders are also exempt from performing during the Hajj season.
- At all entry points to the Haram, Saudi officials will conduct strict checks. They allow only pilgrims of Hajj to come into the vicinity of the Haram.
- The measures are designed for clarity and order, to leave no room for doubt as the Hajj season approaches. Any other visas that expire after the DeadlineDeadline are not valid for the pilgrimage.
Why Does Umrah Close Before Hajj Every Year?
Every year, Saudi Arabia closes Umrah before Hajj. Therefore, Hajj pilgrims can perform the Hajj rituals comfortably. Saudi Arabia has announced the closing dates for Umrah 2026. It is not just a break but a period to make arrangements for a large-scale Hajj. Therefore, it is advised to book Umrah Packages before the visa process slows down and hotel availability becomes limited. Umrah is available almost all year, but it closes temporarily before Hajj because:
Hajj pilgrims begin arriving in large numbers. Makkah becomes restricted to Hajj permit holders only. The Haram and holy sites require preparation and crowd control. Saudi authorities must manage logistics, transport, and security. This is a normal annual process, and travellers must plan around these closure dates.
Housing Capacity for Hajj Pilgrims
Every year, a large crowd of hajj pilgrims come to Makkah for the hajj rituals. Managing this huge crowd requires a lot of space in Makkah city. Hotels in Makkah operate on a short-stay basis. The weeks before Hajj, hotels must clear out short-stay Umrah guests and groups who book the entire hotel for 20-40 days, to get the rooms ready for the Hajj pilgrims. This period without guests allows authorities to perform deep cleaning of hotels and buildings, improve road infrastructure, and more. Many hotels begin maintenance of their elevators and HVAC systems, which will be used by millions of Hajj pilgrims simultaneously.
If you plan to perform Umrah before Hajj, ensure you book your Umrah packages for 2026 before the closing Umrah dates to ensure a seamless experience. The closing date creates a clear window for Muslims planning to perform Umrah in Ramadan or immediately after. The closing dates give them a clear idea that they can’t extend their stay, as logistical flexibility becomes tighter as the Hajj dates approach.
Final Tips for Planning Umrah Around Hajj
Pilgrims must know the exact dates of the umrah closing and reopening. It will help their visa process when Umrah 2026 opens and closes. The Saudi government doesn't permanently close Umrah visas; it only does so temporarily. But missed deadlines can delay your pilgrimage journey for a long time.
If you are planning to perform Umrah in Ramadan or right after the Hajj, start searching for early booking options for 2026. This strategy will reduce your last-minute hurdles and stress. The Ministry of Saudi Arabia's approach demonstrates a strong commitment to allowing everyone to worship, as stated in the latest Saudi Umrah announcement for 2026.
The rules the Saudi government has imposed are to protect Hajj pilgrims from any inconvenience and to preserve the sanctity of the Haramain Shareef during Hajj 2026. So, you have to keep an eye on the Umrah ending date of 2026. As a pilgrim, you can make sure that your trip to the House of Allah becomes easy and warm. Enjoy this information about Umrah 2026 in Saudi Arabia as you prepare for your spiritual journey.
May Allah soon invite you to Umrah and accept your Umrah. Ameen.
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