Saudi Arabia announces Umrah season calendar for 2025–26

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially announced the calendar for the upcoming Umrah season, laying out a comprehensive schedule for foreign pilgrims seeking to perform the pilgrimage in the Islamic year 1447, corresponding to 2025-2026 in the Gregorian calendar.

According to the ministry’s statement, international pilgrims will be allowed to perform Umhrah starting June 11, 2025.

The timeline also outlines critical dates for visa issuance, service contracts, and entry and exit windows to streamline the experience for millions expected to travel from abroad.

Visa issuance for the new season is set to begin a day earlier on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446). Meanwhile, service agreements between Umrah companies and foreign agents must be finalized by May 27, 2025 (29 Dhul Qadah 1446).

Saudi authorities began preparations for the season as early as March 25, with the launch of the external agent qualification service via the “Nusuk” platform and the “Umrah Path” system. These digital platforms are part of a modernization drive aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency in the management of pilgrim services.

Formal signing of service agreements began on April 14, during the 2025 Hajj and Umrah Services Forum, which gathered industry stakeholders from across the globe to discuss operational readiness and logistical planning.

The calendar also lays out a series of strict deadlines. The final date for issuing Umrah visas is March 20, 2026 (1 Shawwal 1447), while pilgrims must arrive in the Kingdom no later than April 3, 2026 (15 Shawwal 1447). All foreign pilgrims are required to depart by April 18, 2026 (1 Dhul Qadah 1447).

Additionally, the ministry noted that January 20, 2026 (1 Sha’ban 1447) is the deadline for external agents to submit qualification requests and finalize their contracts with Saudi Umrah operators.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasised that the timeline is designed to ensure “a smooth and well-organised Umrah season,” allowing pilgrims from around the world to plan their spiritual journey with greater clarity and confidence.