If you are planning to perform Umrah before the Hajj season begins, time is running out. Knowing the last date for Umrah 2026 is critical to ensure your travel plans go smoothly. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially released the critical deadlines for visa issuance, entry, and departure for the 1447 AH Umrah season to help ease the transition into the bustling Hajj period.

Understanding the Last Date for Umrah 2026: 3 Critical Deadlines

As Saudi Arabia shifts its focus to crowd management and preparations for millions of incoming Hajj pilgrims, the window for performing a pre-Hajj Umrah is rapidly closing. Here are the three official deadlines you need to mark on your calendar:

• March 19-20, 2026 (1 Shawwal 1447 AH): Last Date for Visa Issuance. The electronic system on the official Nusuk portal and travel agent portals have completely shut down for new Umrah visa applications for this season.
• April 2-3, 2026 (15 Shawwal 1447 AH): Last Date for Entry into Saudi Arabia. Even if you hold a valid Umrah visa, you must physically arrive in the Kingdom by this date. Airlines will refuse boarding to Umrah-visa holders trying to fly in after the cut-off.
• April 18, 2026 (1 Dhul Qadah 1447 AH): Final Departure Date. All international Umrah pilgrims must leave Saudi Arabia by this date. Remaining in the country beyond this date is strictly prohibited.

“Staying beyond the April 18th deadline is considered an immigration violation. To ensure safety and top-tier crowd control for Hajj, Saudi authorities mandate that all Umrah pilgrims depart on time to allow the holy cities to prepare.”

New Makkah Entry Restrictions for Expatriates

In addition to the Umrah deadlines, the Ministry of Interior has strictly reinforced the “No Hajj without a permit” campaign. Starting from April 13, 2026, expatriates and residents who do not hold a specific Hajj permit, an iqama (residency) issued directly in Makkah, or a specialized work permit are banned from entering the holy city. Checkpoints have been strengthened, and those lacking the required permits are being turned back.

Missed the Window? When Will Umrah Reopen?

If you missed the cut-off dates for the current season, there is no need to worry. The Umrah pause is only temporary. The new Umrah season (1448 AH) is expected to officially open shortly after the conclusion of Hajj. Following previous patterns, visa issuance and international pilgrim arrivals are anticipated to resume around mid-June 2026.

Conclusion

Navigating Umrah regulations leading up to Hajj requires precise planning. If you are currently in Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa, double-check your flight itineraries to ensure you depart before April 18th, the final exit deadline following the last date for Umrah 2026.

Are you waiting to perform Umrah? Contact Depart Holidays today to pre-book your packages for the upcoming 1448H Umrah Season. Let Karachi’s Premier Travel Hub handle the details so you can focus on your spiritual journey!