Umrah 2026–2027 new rules in a glance
Here is the short version of every major change now in force for the 1448 AH season.
| Change | What it means |
|---|---|
| Shorter visa validity | Your entry visa is now valid for 30 days from issuance, down from 90 days. |
| No booking, no visa | You must link confirmed Nusuk hotel and transport bookings before a visa is issued. |
| Nusuk mandatory for everyone | Every pilgrim must register on Nusuk, with no country-based exemptions. |
| All visa types accepted | Tourist, transit, work, and visit visa holders can now perform Umrah. |
| New season calendar | The 1448 AH dates set fresh visa, entry, and departure deadlines. |
For the full application walkthrough, see our 2026 Umrah visa guide.
Shorter visa validity: 30 days to enter, not 90
Your Umrah entry visa now expires 30 days after it is issued if you do not enter Saudi Arabia in that window. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah cut the entry validity from three months to one month in late 2025.
The cut applies to entry, not your stay. The stay limit after you arrive remains up to 90 days.
If you do not register to enter within 30 days, the visa is cancelled automatically. The countdown starts from the issue date, not your flight date.
What this means for you in practice:
- Apply closer to travel: Do not apply months ahead, or your visa may lapse before you fly.
- Confirm flights first: Lock in your travel dates before the visa is issued.
- Watch the issue date: A visa issued on 1 March must be used to enter by 30 March.
“No booking, no visa”: Nusuk bookings now required
You cannot be issued an Umrah visa until you have confirmed hotel and transport bookings logged in Nusuk. This is the new requirement most likely to trip up applicants this season.
Before applying, you now need verified bookings on the Nusuk Umrah platform. The system generates a Booking Reference Number that ties to your visa application.
Specifically, you must have:
- Accommodation: A confirmed stay in a Nusuk-approved hotel in Makkah, Madinah, or both.
- Transport: Pre-booked ground transport, including airport transfers and inter-city travel.
- Booking Reference Number: A BRN linked to those bookings, required before the visa is approved.
Without these, the visa will not be approved and no permit is issued on arrival. Most tour operators bundle accommodation and transport into a single package to satisfy this rule.
If you are choosing where to stay, compare hotels in Makkah and hotels in Madinah close to the Haram before you book.
Nusuk is mandatory, and all visa types now qualify
Every Umrah pilgrim must now register on Nusuk, with no country-based exemptions. The platform handles your visa link, permit, mosque entry, and Rawdah slots.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia has widened who can perform Umrah. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that holders of all visa types are now eligible to perform Umrah.
Visa types now accepted for Umrah include:
- Tourist eVisa: Valid for Umrah outside the Hajj season.
- Visit visas: Personal and family visit visas qualify.
- Transit and work visas: Stopover and work visa holders can also perform Umrah.
Hajj still requires a dedicated Hajj visa, and Umrah visas do not permit work or residency. Even with a valid visa, you must still book your Umrah permit through Nusuk — see our Umrah permit guide for how that works.
New 1448 AH season dates
The 1448 AH season opened with visa issuance starting on 31 May 2026, and a fresh set of deadlines applies. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah published the full season calendar with firm cut-offs.
These dates matter because the visa, entry, and departure deadlines are fixed and tied to the Hajj 2027 window.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Visa issuance begins | 31 May 2026 |
| Entry to Makkah and permits begin | 1 June 2026 |
| Final day to issue Umrah visas | 9 March 2027 |
| Last date for pilgrim entry | 23 March 2027 |
| All pilgrims must depart | 7 April 2027 |
If you hold a visa near the end of the season, plan so you enter before 23 March 2027 and leave by 7 April 2027. Overstaying can trigger fines and affect future applications.
For more, see our 1448 AH Umrah application guide, the Umrah visa from India guide, and the Umrah without mahram guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Umrah visa valid now?
The entry visa is valid for 30 days from issuance, reduced from 90 days. Once you enter Saudi Arabia, you can stay for up to 90 days.
Can I get an Umrah visa without booking a hotel?
No. You must have confirmed Nusuk hotel and transport bookings, with a Booking Reference Number, before a visa is issued. This is the “no booking, no visa” rule.
Can I perform Umrah on a tourist or transit visa?
Yes. All visa types, including tourist eVisas, transit, work, and visit visas, are now accepted for Umrah outside the Hajj season. You still need to book the Umrah permit through Nusuk.
When does the 1448 AH Umrah season end?
The final day to issue Umrah visas is 9 March 2027, the last entry date is 23 March 2027, and all pilgrims must depart by 7 April 2027.
Sources
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — Umrah Season Calendar for 1448 AH
- Gulf News — Saudi Arabia announces Umrah season calendar for 1448 AH
- Gulf News — Saudi Arabia announces new amendments to Umrah visa rules
- Al Arabiya — New Umrah visa regulations to take effect (30-day entry validity)
- Gulf News — All visa types now eligible for Umrah, says Saudi Hajj ministry
- Nusuk — Official Umrah Visa and Permit Platform
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — FAQ
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.
