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The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially unveiled the schedule for the upcoming Umrah season in the Islamic year 1447, corresponding to 2025-2026 in the Gregorian calendar, offering clarity and guidance for millions of international pilgrims. The announcement, made public today, details the key dates for visa applications, service agreements, and the permitted entry and exit periods for those wishing to undertake the spiritual journey, Daily Dazzling Dawn understand.
According to the ministry's statement, the window for international pilgrims to commence their Umrah will open on June 11, 2025. This follows the commencement of visa issuance for the season, which will begin a day earlier on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446). Essential groundwork for the season has been underway since March 25, marked by the launch of the external agent qualification service through the "Nusuk" platform and the "Umrah Path" system. These digital initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia's commitment to modernizing and streamlining the pilgrimage experience.
Further underscoring the organizational framework, the deadline for Umrah companies and their foreign counterparts to finalize service agreements is set for May 27, 2025 (29 Dhul Qadah 1446). The formal signing of these agreements commenced on April 14 during the 2025 Hajj and Umrah Services Forum, a significant gathering that facilitated discussions on operational readiness and logistical strategies among global stakeholders in the pilgrimage sector.
The announced calendar also specifies crucial deadlines that pilgrims and travel operators must adhere to. The final date for the issuance of Umrah visas is March 20, 2026 (1 Shawwal 1447), and all pilgrims must arrive in the Kingdom no later than April 3, 2026 (15 Shawwal 1447). The departure deadline for all foreign pilgrims is set for April 18, 2026 (1 Dhul Qadah 1447).
In addition to these key dates, the ministry highlighted January 20, 2026 (1 Sha’ban 1447) as the final date for external agents to submit their qualification requests and finalize their contracts with Saudi Umrah operators.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that this meticulously planned timeline is designed to cultivate "a smooth and well-organised Umrah season," empowering pilgrims from across the globe to plan their spiritual journey with enhanced clarity and confidence. This proactive approach aims to optimize the overall experience for the anticipated influx of visitors.
Best Times to Go:
Less Busy: To avoid the peak crowds, consider traveling during the initial and later parts of the Umrah season. Immediately after the opening on June 11, 2025, and after the main rush periods (often coinciding with school holidays or religious occasions not explicitly mentioned as peak times in the provided text), potentially in late October or November 2025, or even in late February or early March 2026, could offer a less crowded experience. Keep in mind that these are estimations based on general travel patterns and not specific crowd forecasts.
Good Weather: The weather in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Mecca and Medina, can be very hot, especially during the summer months. For more pleasant temperatures, consider traveling during the cooler months, which generally fall between late October 2025 and March 2026. This period typically offers milder days and cooler evenings, making outdoor activities and prayers more comfortable.
Potentially Cheaper Hotels and Flights: Prices for flights and accommodations tend to fluctuate based on demand. Traveling during the less busy periods mentioned above (immediately after the season opens or in the later months, avoiding major holiday seasons) might also present opportunities for more affordable options. Keep an eye on travel websites and booking platforms for deals during the shoulder seasons – the periods between peak and off-peak travel times. Booking in advance and being flexible with your travel dates can also help secure better prices.
