Saudi Arabia Launches 1448AH Umrah Season, Commences Visa Issuance
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Saudi Arabia has officially commenced preparations for the 1448AH Umrah season, with the issuance of Umrah visas and the arrival of international pilgrims set to begin on May 31, 2026.
According to the official calendar released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the new Umrah season will open with the commencement of visa issuance and the reception of pilgrims from various countries around the world.
The ministry further announced that entry into the holy city of Makkah and the issuance of Umrah permits will begin on June 1, 2026, marking the start of pilgrimage activities for the new season.
The 1448AH Umrah season is expected to run for several months, with Saudi authorities implementing a structured operational timetable to facilitate the smooth movement and management of pilgrims throughout the period.
Under the ministry’s schedule, the final date for issuing Umrah visas has been fixed for March 9, 2027, while the last date for pilgrims to enter the Kingdom for Umrah will be March 23, 2027.
The ministry also stated that April 7, 2027, has been designated as the final departure date for Umrah pilgrims, effectively bringing the 1448AH Umrah season to a close.
Saudi authorities continue to leverage digital platforms and integrated services to streamline visa processing, permit issuance, and pilgrim management as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the pilgrimage experience and improve service delivery for visitors to the Two Holy Mosques.
The annual Umrah program attracts millions of Muslims from across the globe, making it one of the Kingdom’s most significant religious and logistical operations outside the Hajj season.
