Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Foreign pilgrims’ arrival for the next Umrah season will start on Dhul Hijjah 15, corresponding to June 11, 2025, according to the official Umrah calendar announced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the year 1447.

The calendar consists of all the relevant information such as key dates for visa issuance, agreements with foreign agents, and deadlines for entry and departure for the pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom.

According to the ministry, visa issuance for Umrah will commence on 14 Dhul Hijjah 1446, corresponding to June 10, 2025, followed by the official start of pilgrim arrivals on 15 Dhul Hijjah 1446. Contracts with foreign agents to define services for pilgrims must be finalized by 29 Dhul Qada 1446, corresponding to May 27, 2025.

Preparations for the new Umrah season began on March 25 with the launch of the external agent qualification service via the “Nusuk” platform and the “Umrah Path” system. Agreements between Umrah companies and external agents started signing on April 14 during the Hajj and Umrah Services Forum 2025.

The calendar also includes important cut-off dates. The final deadline to issue Umrah visas is 1 Shawwal 1447, corresponding to March 20, 2026, while the last date for pilgrims to enter the Kingdom is 15 Shawwal 1447, corresponding to April 3, 2026. Pilgrims must depart by 1 DhulQada 1447 (April 18, 2026).

Additionally, the ministry noted that the acceptance of external agent qualification requests will stop by 1 Sha’ban 1447 (January 20, 2026), which is also the deadline for approving their contracts with Umrah companies.

The timeline is part of the ministry’s strategic planning to ensure a smooth and well-organized Umrah season, enhancing services for pilgrims from around the world.