1448 AH Umrah Visa Dates: Season Starts May 31, 2026

Summary

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that 1448 AH Umrah visa issuance begins on May 31, 2026. Pilgrims can enter Makkah and obtain Umrah permits through the Nusuk app from June 1, 2026. The season runs until April 7, 2027.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially released the Umrah calendar for 1448 AH, confirming that visa issuance and pilgrim arrivals will begin on May 31, 2026. This date falls on 14 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, right after the conclusion of Hajj 1447.

The announcement covers the complete operational timeline for the upcoming Umrah season, including when pilgrims can enter Makkah, how to book through the Nusuk platform, and the final deadlines for visa issuance, entry, and departure in 2027.

Whether you are an international pilgrim planning your first Umrah, an expat living in Saudi Arabia, or a travel agent coordinating group bookings, this guide covers everything you need to know. Below, you will find all the confirmed dates, the visa fee breakdown, Nusuk app requirements, a step-by-step application process, and answers to frequently asked questions about the 1448 AH Umrah season.

1448 AH Umrah Season Key Dates

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah published the full operational calendar for the 1448 AH season. This calendar outlines every stage from initial agreements between Umrah companies and overseas agents all the way through to the final departure deadline.

Here is the complete timeline with both Hijri and Gregorian dates:

The preparations started months before the season opens. Preliminary agreements between Umrah companies and overseas agents began on March 4, 2026. The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum followed on March 30, where initial contracts were signed between operators.

Preparatory meetings for the 1448 AH season took place on May 5, followed by the qualification and final contracting of external agents on May 11. Service provider contracts and package designs are being finalized through the Ministry’s electronic platform.

Notice that there is a one-day gap between visa issuance (May 31) and Makkah entry (June 1). This means pilgrims can arrive in Saudi Arabia on May 31, but entry into Makkah and the issuance of Umrah permits through Nusuk begins the next day.

Pro Tip: The 1448 AH Umrah season offers roughly 10 months of access, running from June 2026 through early April 2027.

Umrah Visa Fee for 1448 AH Season

The official Umrah visa fee set by the Saudi government remains at SAR 300 (approximately USD 80). On top of this, every pilgrim must purchase mandatory medical insurance, which costs between SAR 100 and SAR 180 depending on the provider and coverage level.

This brings the total visa cost (without agent fees) to approximately SAR 400 to SAR 480. The SAR 300 government fee applies to all pilgrims regardless of age, including infants. However, children and infants typically pay lower insurance premiums.

Pilgrims applying through authorized travel agents will pay additional service charges. These vary by country and agency, so always ask for a full itemized breakdown before confirming your booking.

Nusuk App Requirements for Umrah 1448 AH

The Nusuk platform (umrah.nusuk.sa) is the official digital system operated by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. For the 1448 AH season, using Nusuk is mandatory for all international pilgrims. You cannot perform Umrah without it, even if you hold a valid visa.

Here is what Nusuk requires before your visa can be approved:

• A confirmed hotel reservation in Makkah, Madinah, or both through a Nusuk-approved provider
• Pre-booked ground transport covering airport arrival transfer, intercity travel between Makkah and Madinah, and airport departure transfer
• A Booking Reference Number (BRN) linked to the above bookings

Once your visa is issued and you arrive in Saudi Arabia, you must also obtain a separate Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before entering Masjid al-Haram. The app generates a QR code that is scanned at the Haram entry gates. Without this QR code, entry may be denied even if you have a valid visa.

The Nusuk app is available for download on both Google Play and the App Store. It supports English, Arabic, Urdu, and several other languages, making it accessible for pilgrims from around the world.

Important: Pilgrims from some countries like India and Pakistan cannot apply for the Umrah visa directly through Nusuk. They must go through a licensed and authorized Umrah travel agent. However, the Umrah permit and Rawdah (Riaz ul Jannah) appointment booking are still handled through the Nusuk app for everyone.

How to Apply for 1448 AH Umrah Visa (Step by Step)

The application process depends on your nationality. There are two main routes:

Route 1: E-Visa Eligible Countries (UK, USA, EU, GCC, Malaysia, etc.)

1. Go to umrah.nusuk.sa or download the Nusuk app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Create an account using your passport details, email address, and phone number.
3. Verify your account through the OTP sent to your phone.
4. Browse and select an approved Umrah package, or use the visa-only flow if available for your nationality.
5. Link your confirmed hotel booking and ground transport arrangements.
6. Pay the visa fee (SAR 300 + medical insurance).
7. Receive your e-visa via email. Save a digital copy and print a backup.

Route 2: Countries Requiring Agents (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc.)

1. Contact an authorized Umrah travel agent recognized by Saudi authorities.
2. Provide your passport (minimum 6 months validity), recent digital photo with white background, and vaccination certificates.
3. The agent handles Nusuk booking, hotel confirmation, and visa filing on your behalf.
4. Receive your confirmed visa through the agent.

Regardless of which route you take, the following documents are required:

Umrah Visa Validity and Stay Duration

Once issued, the 1448 AH Umrah visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. This means you must enter Saudi Arabia within 90 days of receiving your visa. After entering the Kingdom, your maximum stay is also 90 days.

One important detail many pilgrims overlook: the 90-day validity period starts from the issuance date, not the date you enter Saudi Arabia. So if you receive your visa on June 1 and enter on June 30, you have already used 29 days of your validity window.

Saudi citizens, GCC nationals, and residents of Saudi Arabia follow separate permit rules and are not bound by the same Umrah visa deadlines. If you hold a Saudi tourist e-visa, you can also perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. However, you must still obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before visiting Masjid al-Haram.

Umrah on a Tourist Visa vs Umrah Visa: Key Differences

Saudi Arabia allows Umrah on both the dedicated Umrah visa and the tourist e-visa. However, there are important differences between the two that you should understand before applying.

The tourist e-visa is available to citizens of 66+ eligible countries through visa.visitsaudi.com. It supports multiple entries and is valid for one year. The Umrah-specific visa is required for pilgrims from countries that are not on the e-visa eligibility list.

Both visa types require a Nusuk-issued Umrah permit to enter Masjid al-Haram. Neither visa allows participation in Hajj. Here is a side-by-side comparison:

Planning Tips for 1448 AH Umrah Season

The Umrah season spans about 10 months, so there is plenty of time to plan. However, early preparation helps you avoid last-minute stress and higher prices. Here are some practical tips:

• Apply early. Visa processing and Nusuk bookings can take time, especially during peak periods. Do not wait until the last few weeks.
• Book during off-peak months. July through September 2026 typically offers lower hotel prices and fewer crowds compared to Ramadan or winter months.
• Plan for Ramadan Umrah carefully. Performing Umrah during Ramadan carries immense spiritual reward, but demand spikes significantly. Book your package well in advance if you want Ramadan slots.
• Double-check your vaccination records. MenACWY vaccination is mandatory for every pilgrim aged one year and above. Make sure your certificate is up to date.
• Keep copies of all documents. Save digital and printed copies of your visa, Nusuk QR code, hotel booking confirmation, and transport receipts.
• Verify Nusuk reflects your bookings. Before traveling, log into the Nusuk app and confirm that your hotel, transport, and permit details are all accurately recorded.

Conclusion

The 1448 AH Umrah season officially opens on May 31, 2026, with Makkah entry and permit issuance starting June 1 through the Nusuk app. The season runs until April 7, 2027, giving pilgrims roughly 10 months to perform Umrah.

Start your planning now. Make sure your passport, vaccination, and Nusuk bookings are all in order before applying. Whether you are traveling from abroad or already living in Saudi Arabia, early preparation makes the entire journey smoother. For more helpful guides on living, traveling, and performing religious duties in Saudi Arabia, explore other articles on Saudi Life Guide.

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