Hajj 2026: Final Umrah Visa Deadline Set for March 20
Saudi authorities have set March 20, 2026 as the final deadline for issuing Umrah visas ahead of Hajj 2026, with strict arrival and departure windows to prepare Mecca for the pilgrimage.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has released the final administrative calendar for the 2026 Umrah season, imposing strict deadlines to prepare the Holy Mosque for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage.
According to the latest directives, the deadline for issuing Umrah visas is set for March 20, 2026. This date is expected to align with the end of Ramadan or the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH.
Strict Entry and Exit Deadlines
In addition to the visa deadline, pilgrims are required to adhere to two further key deadlines for their travel:
Final Entry Deadline: Pilgrims must arrive in the Kingdom no later than April 3, 2026 (15 Shawwal 1447 AH).
Mandatory Departure Date: All Umrah performers must depart the Kingdom before Saturday, April 18, 2026 (1 Dhul-Qa’dah 1447 AH).
The authorities have emphasized that no extensions beyond the April 18 deadline will be granted.
Official Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website: haj.gov.sa/Umrah
Temporary Closure of Mecca for Umrah
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced universal restrictions, emphasizing that all pilgrims—even those holding standard 90-day visas—must comply with the temporary closure of Mecca for Umrah. This policy takes precedence over any individual visa conditions.
This approach ensures that the Holy City of Mecca is fully cleared of Umrah pilgrims, allowing for the necessary logistical and spiritual preparations for the millions of pilgrims expected for Hajj.
Prospective pilgrims are strongly advised to complete their visa applications before March 19 and strictly adhere to the arrival and departure dates announced by the authorities to avoid complications.
The official Hajj pilgrimage dates for 2026 have not yet been announced by Saudi authorities. The Umrah season for the following Islamic year (1448 AH) is expected to resume in mid-June 2026, shortly after the conclusion of the annual Hajj.
