Ramadan 2027 packages are not on sale yet: operators load dates about three months ahead, so 8 February onwards should open around mid-November 2026. The search below works now for any earlier trip.
Performing Umrah during Ramadan 2027 carries the reward of a Hajj, according to an authentic hadith narrated in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. This guide covers what to plan, what to budget, and the Ramadan-specific rules that catch first-timers out.
Ramadan 2027 Dates and the Best Time to Go
Ramadan 2027 runs roughly from 8 February to 8 March 2027, based on the Umm al-Qura calendar. For the full month-by-month breakdown, see our Ramadan 2027 guide, which covers fasting hours and the Eid forecast.
First 10 Nights (8 to 17 February)
Cheaper, quieter, and a strong choice for first-timers. Crowds are noticeably lighter than the last ten nights.
Hotel rates sit roughly 30 to 50 percent below peak.
Middle 10 Nights (18 to 27 February)
A balanced middle ground. Spiritual atmosphere intensifies as the month progresses, but Al-Haram is not yet at full capacity.
Last 10 Nights (28 February to 8 March)
The most spiritually charged and the most demanding window. Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) falls within these nights, most commonly on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th of Ramadan.
Hotel rates can hit two to three times the off-peak rate, the Grand Mosque stays open nearly 24 hours, and tawaf slows to a crawl at peak times.
Umrah Visa, Permits and Nusuk Rules
The visa rules changed meaningfully for the 1448 AH season, and most apply year-round.
For the full process, our Umrah Visa 2026 guide has it end-to-end.
The Nusuk Hotel Rule
Every Umrah visa application must be linked to a Nusuk-verified hotel booking and pre-booked transport before approval. No hotel in Nusuk, no visa.
In Ramadan, Nusuk-approved hotels sell out months ahead, so you cannot leave the visa to the last minute.
Nusuk App vs Nusuk Card
These are two different things pilgrims often confuse:
- Nusuk app: what Umrah pilgrims use to book the permit and Rawdah slots
- Nusuk Card: a smart ID for Hajj pilgrims only; you do not need one for Umrah
Which Visa Should You Use?
If your passport is from one of the 66 eVisa-eligible countries (including the UK, US, Canada, EU states, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and all GCC states), you have two options:
- Saudi tourist eVisa: usually faster, sometimes cheaper. See our Saudi Tourist Visa guide.
- Dedicated Umrah visa: the traditional route, processed via a licensed agent.
Pilgrims from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and most other non-eVisa countries must go through a licensed Umrah operator.
Packages, Costs, and Getting There
Booking online: Wego is an official partner of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, with ministry-approved hotels and the eVisa in partnership with Nusuk. Packages are supplied by licensed Umrah operators, and our step-by-step walkthrough shows the flow.
Ramadan Umrah packages are far more expensive than off-peak. A typical package runs 7 to 14 days, split between Makkah and Madinah.
For pricing from your home market, see our regional guides:
- Umrah Packages 2026 Pakistan
- Umrah Package from India 2026
- Umrah Packages from the UK 2026
- Umrah Guide for Pilgrims from Qatar
Booking and Refund Reality
Ramadan hotel rooms are usually sold on non-refundable or semi-flexible rates, and cancellation windows tighten the closer you get to the start of the month.
Book refundable rates where the price difference is reasonable, and consider travel insurance that covers Umrah trip cancellations since flight and visa delays do happen.
Beware of Unverified Operators
Ramadan is the busiest season for fake Umrah agents, especially across South Asia.
Always confirm your package is booked through a Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah-licensed operator, and that your hotel appears in the Nusuk system. If an offer seems too cheap, it almost certainly is.
Flights and the Haramain High-Speed Railway
Most pilgrims fly into Jeddah (JED) and out of Madinah (MED), or the reverse, to avoid backtracking. Compare fares on Wego and book flights at least four to six months ahead for Ramadan.
For the Makkah-to-Madinah leg, skip the road transfer. The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects the two cities in about 2 hours 20 minutes, with stops at Jeddah and King Abdulaziz Airport.
In Ramadan, it’s faster, cheaper, and far less stressful than a 4 to 5-hour coach ride.
Special Rules and Things to Be Careful About in Ramadan
Ihram Rules Do Not Relax During Ramadan
Fasting does not change ihram restrictions. The same rules apply: no stitched clothing for men, no scented products, no cutting hair or nails, no arguing. Review the full list in our Hajj and Umrah Rules guide.
Fasting While Travelling Is Optional
As a traveller (musafir), you are religiously exempt from fasting and can make up the missed days later. Many pilgrims still choose to fast, which is fine, so plan tawaf and sa’i after iftar rather than during daytime heat, and hydrate heavily between iftar and suhoor.
Nusuk Permit Slots Sell Out Fast
Umrah permit slots through the Nusuk app must be booked in advance. In Ramadan, especially the last 10 nights, these disappear within minutes of opening. Set calendar reminders and book the second slots become available.
Rawdah Permit Is Separate and Harder in Ramadan
Visiting the Rawdah Al-Sharifah in Madinah needs a separate Nusuk booking, and Saudi authorities run separate timings for men and women. You can only book one Rawdah slot every 365 days, so commit carefully.
Men enter via Gate 37, women via Gate 25. In Ramadan, women get dedicated hours and men get expanded slots in the last 10 nights.
Last 10 Nights Bring Gated Access to the Kaaba
During peak times in the final 10 nights, the matab (area around the Kaaba) is physically gated to control crowd flow, and tawaf may be restricted to upper levels temporarily. Plan to arrive hours before Taraweeh or Qiyam prayers if you want a spot close to the Kaaba.
Visa Validity and the Stay Limit
The Umrah visa requires you to enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of issue. Once you cross immigration you may stay for up to 90 days.
If you want to stay through Eid al-Fitr (9 March 2027 onwards), count your days from the date of entry, not the date the visa was issued.
Remember the season-close cutoff too: the two deadlines are separate, and the earlier one wins.
Women Travelling Without a Mahram
Saudi Arabia has lifted the mahram requirement, so women of all ages can perform Umrah alone or in trusted groups. Full details in our Umrah Without Mahram guide.
Travelling With Children or Elderly Parents
Ramadan Umrah with family is doable but takes planning. A few practical rules of thumb:
- Children and the elderly are exempt from fasting: don’t pressure them in the Saudi afternoon heat. Keep them hydrated and fed on a normal schedule.
- Book a hotel within 300 metres of Al-Haram even if it costs more. Long walks after Taraweeh with tired kids or elderly parents are brutal.
- Wheelchairs are available for rent at Al-Haram gates. For pre-booked wheelchair tawaf, use the upper levels, which are less crowded and smoother.
- Skip the last 10 nights if you’re with young children. The crowd density is not kid-friendly.
- Pack snacks, ORS sachets, and basic medication. Pharmacies near Al-Haram are open late but picking up essentials mid-ibadah is a hassle.
Health, Vaccines and Life Around Al-Haram in Ramadan
Mandatory Vaccines
All Umrah pilgrims aged one year and above must show proof of the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine, administered at least 10 days before arrival. Pakistani pilgrims also need proof of polio vaccination.
Full requirements in our Umrah Vaccine Requirements guide.
Sehri and Iftar Near Al-Haram
Most hotels near the Grand Mosque serve sehri and iftar buffets, often included in Ramadan packages. Al-Haram courtyard itself hosts free iftar mats for anyone: dates, laban (yoghurt drink), water and Arabic coffee are distributed in huge quantities by volunteers.
A few etiquette points worth knowing: sit only on mats spread by volunteers, don’t block prayer paths with food, eat quickly before Maghrib is called, and dispose of waste in the bins provided.
For exact sehri and iftar times, see our Ramadan in Saudi Arabia timings guide.
Zamzam Water on the Way Home
Most airlines departing Jeddah and Madinah allow one sealed 5-litre bottle of Zamzam water per pilgrim, free of charge, in addition to your standard baggage.
It must be the official sealed bottle from the airport, and you cannot check in bottles filled at your hotel, and it’s worth confirming the policy with your specific airline before flying.
Safety on the Ground
Both Makkah and Madinah remain safe for pilgrims. For current conditions, see our live status updates: Is It Safe to Travel to Makkah Now and Is It Safe to Travel to Madinah Now.
Crowd Survival Tips and Extending for Eid
Timing Your Ibadah
In Ramadan, Al-Haram is crowded at every prayer time. For a smoother experience:
- Perform tawaf on upper levels if the ground floor is gated
- Aim for tawaf between 11 PM and 2 AM, when the matab thins out slightly
- Arrive at Al-Haram at least 90 minutes before Maghrib for a prayer spot
- For Taraweeh and Qiyam, enter the mosque right after Asr to secure space
Pack for the Crowds
Bring a small drawstring bag (large bags are banned at Rawdah and restricted at Al-Haram gates), unscented wet wipes, a foldable prayer mat, and comfortable sandals.
Keep your Nusuk QR codes and passport copies accessible on your phone.
Stay for Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr 2027 falls on Tuesday, 9 March 2027, and praying Eid salah at Al-Haram is one of the most memorable experiences a pilgrim can have.
Hotel rates drop sharply after the first day of Eid, making it a practical time to extend your stay, but check your visa duration and the Umrah season cutoff before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ramadan 2027 start in Saudi Arabia?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027, and end on Monday, 8 March 2027, with Eid al-Fitr on Tuesday, 9 March 2027. Final dates depend on moon sighting confirmed by the Saudi Supreme Court.
Is Umrah in Ramadan equal to Hajj?
Yes, in reward, according to an authentic hadith in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. However, it does not replace the obligation of Hajj for those who are able. The reward is equivalent, but the duty of Hajj remains.
How much Zamzam water can I carry back home?
Most airlines departing Jeddah and Madinah allow one sealed 5-litre bottle of official Zamzam water per pilgrim free of charge, in addition to your standard baggage. Confirm with your specific airline before flying.
Sources
- Nusuk: Official Hajj and Umrah Platform
- Umm Al-Qura Calendar (Saudi Arabia)
- Encyclopedia of Translated Prophetic Hadiths: Umrah in Ramadan
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
