Last Date for Umrah Before Hajj 2026 – Official Visa Deadlines

Q: Why do I have to leave by April 18th? Can’t I stay for Hajj?

No. The Ministry suspends Umrah and requires pilgrims to leave early to prepare the cities for the Hajj season. This allows authorities to clear space, manage crowds, and prepare logistics for the massive arrival of Hajj pilgrims.

Q: I have a valid visa, but my passport has expired. Can I still travel?

Yes. You can travel if you carry both the expired passport (containing the valid visa) and your new valid passport (from the same nationality).

Q: I have a valid visa, but my passport has expired. Can I still travel?

Yes. You can travel if you carry both the expired passport (containing the valid visa) and your new valid passport (from the same nationality).

Q: Can my 17-year-old son travel alone?

No. All passengers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Q: Are there gender-related restrictions on passports?

Yes. Passports with a gender marker of “U” (Unspecified) or “X” (Non-binary) are not accepted for entry into Saudi Arabia.

Q: Are there gender-related restrictions on passports?

Yes. Passports with a gender marker of “U” (Unspecified) or “X” (Non-binary) are not accepted for entry into Saudi Arabia.

Last Chance for Umrah Before Hajj 2026 - Official Visa Deadlines & Closing Dates

By Yasir Ali – Taqwa Tours Last Updated: January 2026

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the Tamattu (Red) Dates for the end of Ramadan 1447AH pilgrimage. This update will be vital for UK pilgrims looking to make a journey in the next few months.

The season is rapidly reaching an end ahead of the annual Hajj. If you had been eyeing a late Ramadan or Shawwal trip, now is the time to move. To miss these cut-off dates would mean you are unable to perform Umrah until the new season begins post Hajj (potentially late June 2026).

Here are the three official deadlines to know in order to keep your travel experience safe and legal.

The 3 Critical Cut-Off Dates

According to the latest circular, the season will close in three stages. Please check your travel dates against this schedule: As per the official Emirates date

1. Last Date for Umrah Visa Issuance: 19 March 2026

What this means: The system to generate new Umrah visas will shut down completely on this date.
Why it matters: Roughly corresponding with the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr on March 19. This means if you are traveling days after Eid, (in the month of Shawwal), then you need to apply for your visa in Ramadan. It’s not like you can wait until after Ramadan to say, ‘Okay I’m going,’ because the system will have been shut down.

2. Last Date for Entry into Saudi Arabia: 02 April 2026

What this means: Even if you have a valid visa, you must physically arrive in the Kingdom by this date.
Why it matters: Airlines will refuse boarding to Umrah-visa holders trying to fly after April 2nd. This leaves effectively a very short window of about 2 weeks for “Shawwal Umrah” this year.

3. Final Departure Date: 18 April 2026

What this means: All Umrah pilgrims must leave Saudi Arabia by this date.
Why it matters: If one stays beyond April 18th, it is considered “overstaying” and is against the Ministry regulations, since the country empties all accommodation to get the country ready for the Hajj. Make sure you book your return flight well in advance of this date.

Does Umrah Close for the Whole Year?

It is a common misconception that Umrah closes for the rest of 2026. This is not true.

Pre-Hajj (Now): The current season (1447 AH) is closing. If you want to go before June, you must book now.
Post-Hajj (Later): The new Umrah season (1448 AH) is expected to reopen shortly after Hajj concludes, likely around mid-June or July 2026.

Summary: If you cannot travel before April 18th, you will have to wait until the summer season begins after Hajj.

Action Plan for UK Pilgrims

With the “Shawwal Window” being extremely short this year (April 2nd to April 18th), we are seeing high demand for flights and hotels during these two weeks.

Important Restrictions & Requirements

Traveler Eligibility

Minors: Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Gender Markers: Passports with gender “U” or “X” are not accepted for entry. Travel History: Entry is denied to anyone who has visited Iran in the past 14 days.

Residency Exemptions

Holders of the ‘Saudi Premium Residency’ card (and their family members) are exempt from exit/entry visa requirements.
Airlines verify resident exit/entry visas via the Muqeem portal.

Umrah Visa and Its Prices for Diffrent Country

Why Saudi Arabia Suspends Umrah Before Hajj

Critical Preparation Phase: The window between Ramadan and Hajj is essential for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Transport, and local authorities to coordinate operations.

Infrastructure Readiness: Closing Makkah and Madinah early gives authorities time to refresh the cities and ensure all facilities are ready for the specific demands of Hajj.

Logistics & Capacity: The break allows officials to clear space and reorganize logistics, ensuring there is sufficient capacity to welcome the massive influx of Hajj pilgrims safely.

To secure your trip:

Check your Passport: Ensure it has 6 months validity.
Book Now: Do not wait for last-minute price drops; prices will likely increase as the deadline approaches.
Verify Your Visa: Ensure your agent issues the visa before the March 19th cutoff.

Secure Your Spot with Taqwa Tours

At Taqwa Tours, we are fully updated on these Ministry regulations. We are currently booking approved itineraries that guarantee you enter and exit within the legal windows, ensuring a peaceful and spiritually rewarding journey.

Contact Us Today for a Last-Minute Umrah Packages Quote

When is the last date I can enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah?

The final date for entry on an Umrah visa is 2 April 2026. You cannot arrive after this date.

When must I leave the country(KSA)?

You must depart Saudi Arabia before 18 April 2026. Overstaying past this date is a violation of visa rules and can lead to immigration penalties.

Why do I have to leave by April 18th? Can’t I stay for Hajj?

No. The Ministry suspends Umrah and requires pilgrims to leave early to prepare the cities for the Hajj season. This allows authorities to clear space, manage crowds, and prepare logistics for the massive arrival of Hajj pilgrims.

I have a valid visa, but my passport has expired. Can I still travel?

Yes. You can travel if you carry both the expired passport (containing the valid visa) and your new valid passport (from the same nationality).

I have a valid visa, but my passport has expired. Can I still travel?

Yes. You can travel if you carry both the expired passport (containing the valid visa) and your new valid passport (from the same nationality).

Can my 17-year-old son travel alone?