Saudi Arabia Releases Umrah Calendar After Hajj 2025 Preparations

As Saudi Arabia gears up for the Hajj season of 2025, Muslim communities around the world are also preparing for the spiritual journey of Umrah. With religious pilgrims setting their sights on visiting Makkah, the anticipation surrounding the schedule of Umrah activities is growing. The kingdom, known for its careful organization and commitment to religious hospitality, has released the official calendar for the 1446–1447 Hijri years, outlining all key dates relevant to Umrah performers.

Final Deadline Announced for Umrah Season Before Hajj 2025

Saudi authorities previously confirmed that the final deadline for Umrah pilgrims to enter the country was April 13, and the final departure date was set as April 29. Those who remained beyond this period without Hajj-specific visas would be considered in violation of the kingdom’s legal framework, with such infractions leading to penalties. This move was intended to streamline the preparations for the larger-scale Hajj pilgrimage and to ensure that only Hajj visa holders would be allowed in the holy sites during that sacred period.

By April’s end, Umrah pilgrims were required to exit the kingdom to allow authorities and local administrations to focus exclusively on Hajj. The city of Makkah had already started witnessing an influx of pilgrims, with many arriving early to immerse themselves in prayers and rituals before the Hajj reached its peak. As always, the central moment of Hajj—the Day of Arafat—is of immense spiritual significance and is likely to occur on June 6, pending the official sighting of the crescent moon marking Dhu al-Hijjah.

Makkah’s Sacred Sites Begin Filling Ahead of Peak Hajj

As the city prepares to accommodate millions of pilgrims, the Saudi administration is working in full swing. The sights of people circling the Kaaba and offering collective prayers within the Grand Mosque have become a common view as the days draw closer to the main Hajj rituals. While Umrah ends before the Hajj season begins, many pilgrims look forward to when Umrah will resume again later in the year.

The latest announcements from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah now give clarity to the calendar that governs the religious journey of Umrah. The structured roadmap stretches into 2026, spanning the Islamic years 1446 and 1447, and offers specific windows for when pilgrims can plan their journeys.

Saudi Arabia Releases Full Umrah Calendar Through 2026

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah officially published a set of anticipated dates that will govern Umrah activities for the upcoming Hijri year. According to their plan, the new Hijri year 1446 is expected to begin on June 27, 2025. This schedule will offer both clarity and comfort to pilgrims and tour operators who rely heavily on timely planning and coordination with local Saudi service providers.

The ministry provided a detailed list of landmark dates that relate to the curating and issuance of Umrah visas, the planning of pilgrim services, and the opening of Nusuk permits. As Umrah is a deeply personal spiritual event that involves international travel, each date is significant in facilitating a smooth experience for pilgrims.

Key Dates for Planning Umrah and Entry Permits

Among the most important dates, May 29, 2025 (29 Dhu al-Qadah), will mark the official start of contract signings between Saudi service providers and global Umrah tour operators. These contracts allow travel companies to arrange service packages, including lodging, transportation, and guidance for pilgrims traveling from different countries.

Following the conclusion of Hajj, the issuance of Umrah visas and entry permits is scheduled to resume on June 11, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hijjah). This signifies the reopening of Saudi borders to those who wish to perform Umrah in the post-Hajj period, a time often preferred by pilgrims seeking a less crowded environment.

On June 12, 2025 (15 Dhu al-Hijjah), the system will begin issuing permits through Nusuk, the online platform developed by the Saudi government to streamline religious travel planning. Pilgrims are required to apply through Nusuk to gain official approval for their religious journey, ensuring their visit is documented and coordinated with local support services.

Timeline for Umrah Visa Closure and Hajj 2026 Preparation

Fast-forwarding to the year 2026, a number of important dates mark the final phases of the Umrah season leading up to the next Hajj. The issuance of Umrah visas will officially end on March 20, 2026 (1 Shawwal). This deadline serves as the final opportunity for pilgrims to acquire the necessary documentation for their visit before preparations begin for Hajj 2026.

April 3, 2026 (15 Shawwal), will be the last day for Umrah pilgrims to enter the kingdom. After this, the entry of pilgrims for Umrah will be halted, as the authorities begin to transition into logistical readiness for the following Hajj season.

April 18, 2026 (1 Dhu al-Qadah), has been designated as the final day for Umrah pilgrims to leave the country. This marks the conclusion of the Umrah period for the 1447 Hijri year, offering a clear boundary before the commencement of the new Hajj cycle.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Structured Pilgrimage Planning

The detailed calendar underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to maintaining order and clarity in managing one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. By setting precise start and end dates for the various phases of Umrah, the kingdom aims to optimize the pilgrim experience while ensuring that local infrastructure, resources, and spiritual services are not overburdened.

This transparent approach also ensures that pilgrims can plan well in advance, often securing better prices for travel packages and avoiding logistical surprises. Moreover, the calendar provides tour agencies with the time they need to create detailed itineraries, arrange group guidance, and support pilgrims throughout their journey.

Umrah’s Growing Importance Outside Hajj Season

Although Hajj remains one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for those who can afford it, Umrah is a voluntary act of worship that holds great spiritual value. Many Muslims across the world consider it a deeply fulfilling experience, offering a chance to cleanse the soul, seek forgiveness, and spiritually reconnect without the crowds associated with Hajj.

In recent years, the Saudi government has increasingly emphasized making Umrah more accessible, even expanding visa categories and easing online application procedures. The introduction of the Nusuk platform is one example of how digitalization is transforming the pilgrimage experience. With biometric integration, online hotel bookings, and real-time navigation, the journey of Umrah is becoming more efficient for global pilgrims.

The Resumption Timeline Reflects Order and Anticipation

The carefully spaced schedule from 2025 through 2026 is not only a logistical tool but also a spiritual map that millions of Muslims across the globe will follow. As the Kingdom continues to innovate in pilgrimage services, the reopening of Umrah post-Hajj offers a renewed opportunity for many who were unable to attend earlier or prefer quieter times of the year.

Pilgrims looking forward to performing Umrah should use this calendar to align with official dates and make early arrangements. Ensuring that one’s travel and religious documentation match the dates announced can enhance the journey both logistically and spiritually.

A Season of Devotion Anchored in Precision

With the announcement of the Umrah calendar for Hijri years 1446 and 1447, Saudi Arabia has once again affirmed its role as a diligent custodian of Islam’s holiest sites. The country’s meticulous planning not only honors the sanctity of the rituals but also ensures the safety and comfort of pilgrims from every corner of the globe.

As Hajj 2025 draws nearer and the calendar for future Umrah seasons is now public, pilgrims have the clarity they need to prepare for their spiritual voyage. Whether one chooses to go during the quieter post-Hajj months or closer to Ramadan in 2026, the road to Makkah remains well-marked and open for devotion.