Hajj Ministry: Saudi to Stop Issuance of Umrah Visas on Shawwal 1
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that the issuance of Umrah visas for the current season will end on the first day of Shawwal, as preparations intensify for the forthcoming Hajj pilgrimage.
According to the ministry, the final date for Umrah pilgrims to enter the Kingdom will be Shawwal 15, while the deadline for their departure has been fixed for the first day of Dhul Qada.
The directive was disclosed during the ministry’s 17th periodic virtual meeting with Saudi Umrah companies, where officials emphasized strict compliance with regulations governing the transition from the Umrah season to the Hajj period.
Authorities reiterated that the Hajj pilgrimage must be performed only with a valid Hajj visa, warning that Umrah visas cannot be used for Hajj.
Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, commended Umrah companies for their cooperation during the Ramadan period, particularly in serving pilgrims, addressing cases involving stranded pilgrims, and facilitating their safe return to their home countries.
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Al-Rabiah also urged companies to continue complying with operational guidelines, including adherence to staggered arrival schedules at airports and the continuous updating of pilgrims’ departure data through the Nusuk Masar platform.
The minister further encouraged sector operators to participate in the third edition of the Umrah and Visit Forum 2026, which aims to strengthen partnerships, promote knowledge exchange, and highlight investment opportunities within the Umrah and visitor services ecosystem.
During the meeting, officials reviewed key indicators from the current Umrah season and highlighted achievements recorded in service delivery.
Preparations for the upcoming forum were also discussed as part of broader efforts to enhance collaboration across the sector.
The periodic meetings organized by the ministry are designed to strengthen engagement with Umrah service providers and monitor improvements in services offered to pilgrims, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance the experience of Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Kingdom.
