Umrah Deadline Before Hajj 2027

Umrah Close Date before Hajj 2027 – Official Deadlines for UK Pilgrims

The end of the 2027 Umrah season comes in three waves. The last date for issuing new Umrah visas will be 9 March 2027, the last date for entering Saudi Arabia will be 23 March 2027, and the last date for exiting Saudi Arabia will be 7 April 2027. After that, pilgrims will not be able to enter again with an Umrah visa until the next season begins (1 June 2027).

If you have been considering a late-Ramadan or Shawwal Umrah visit in 2027, this is the last chance you get before the closure of the season for Hajj preparations. Here’s precisely what you need to know as a UK pilgrim.

The 3 Official Umrah Cut-Off Dates for 2027

According to the schedule released by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the 2027 season closes across three stages. Check your travel dates carefully against each one.

Deadline	Date	Applies to
Last date to issue Umrah visa	9 March 2027 (Shawwal 1, 1448 AH)	New visa applications via Nusuk
Last date to enter Saudi Arabia	23 March 2027 (Shawwal 15, 1448 AH)	Airline boarding for Umrah-visa holders
Final departure date	7 April 2027 (Shawwal 30, 1448 AH)	All pilgrims on an Umrah visa
Umrah season expected to reopen	1 June	New 1448/1449 AH Umrah season

1. Last Date to Issue an Umrah Visa: 9 March 2027

The implications of the above: From this day on, there will be no issuance of new Umrah visas by the Nusuk system.

For UK pilgrims who have plans to visit Saudi Arabia after Eid-ul-Fitr: In case you are planning to make the journey during the days following Eid-ul-Fitr, your visa should already have been issued by this day. It should not have been made after this date.

2. Last Date to Enter Saudi Arabia: 23 March 2027

What this means: It is mandatory that even if you have been issued a legitimate Umrah visa, you have to actually arrive in the Kingdom before or on this date.

Importance: Airline companies will not allow Umrah visa holders to board flights after 23 March. When this is taken into consideration with the deadline for obtaining an Umrah visa two weeks back, it becomes clear that it leaves a very narrow timeframe for a “post-Ramadan” or Shawwal Umrah pilgrimage.

3. Final Departure Date: 7 April 2027

What this means: All pilgrims travelling on an Umrah visa must exit Saudi Arabia by this date.

Why it matters: Staying after 7 April amounts to overstaying and will violate the rules of the Ministry, considering that all the accommodations in Makkah and Madinah will be vacated by then in preparation for the Hajj pilgrims. The suggestion here is that you should make your return flight at least a few days before this day.

Does Umrah Close for the Rest of the Year?

No, that is a mistaken belief. Only the ongoing Umrah season ends before Hajj; Umrah as a general practice does not cease for the year.

Pre-Hajj (now): This ongoing season is drawing to a close. If you wish to visit before Hajj, then you have to be booked, visaed, and in the Kingdom before the dates above.
Post-Hajj (later in 2027): A new season of Umrah usually starts within a few weeks after Hajj, traditionally sometime mid-June to mid-July, but the specific start date will be made clear closer to the actual date.

In short: In short, if you cannot make the dates before 7 April 2027, then you will have to wait for the new season that comes after Hajj, not the following year.

Does my Saudi ETA expire on the Umrah close date too?

No. The ETA operates independently and has its own 1-year, multiple-entry validity. It is not based on the schedule of the Umrah season. During Hajj season, what happens is that Makkah closes to those who have visas other than Hajj visas, including ETA visas. So, you can apply for an ETA for Saudi Arabia independently of the Umrah visa schedule, but you should still check the Hajj-season restrictions.

What Happens If You Miss the Cut-Off

Making attempts to leave during these periods using the Umrah visa is not a joke; rather, it has some serious ramifications:

The visa becomes invalid once the date for entry passes, hence the denial of entry into the country.
Cancellation of the visa and disrupted travel.
Loss of money due to non-refundable flights or accommodations.
Overstay fine and even deportation if you go past the exit period.
Bans from entering the country if there is a very serious overstay.

This is the reason why making arrangements as soon as possible and ensuring that the dates have been confirmed by the agent before these deadlines is recommended.

Action Plan for UK Pilgrims Travelling Before Hajj 2027

Given the very small window between entry date (23rd March) and departure date (7th April), there is likely to be a surge in demand for air transportation services and Makkah/Madinah hotels in the days leading up to this period. Here are some suggestions:

Save the time after 9th March 2027, which is the starting point of the visa application period. Try applying for a visa as early as possible after confirming travel dates.
Avoid making reservations that involve arriving at the destination on the exact 23rd March. There will likely be some delays in your journey, and you might end up being ineligible for Umrah.
Do not book the return journey on the day of 7th April, but do so much in advance.
Make hotel bookings in advance as hotels in Makkah and Madinah fill up very quickly due to this small window.
Use licensed UK-based ATOL agencies to avoid missing out on anything.

Eligibility and Entry Requirements to Check

Alongside the visa deadlines themselves, a few standard entry conditions are worth confirming before you travel:

Minors travelling under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Gender markers: passports listing gender as “U” or “X” are not currently accepted for entry.
Recent travel history: entry may be denied to travellers who have visited Iran within the preceding 14 days.
Saudi Premium Residency holders and their immediate family members are exempt from the standard exit/entry visa requirements described above.

Why Does Saudi Arabia Suspend Umrah Before Hajj?

The closure period between Umrah and Hajj gives Saudi authorities time to prepare for the large number of Hajj pilgrims. It helps manage crowds, improve safety and security, organise transport, and prepare accommodation, healthcare, and other facilities for the Hajj season.

Umrah Closing Date in 2026 _ See in the image below

Everything You Need to Know

When does Umrah close before Hajj 2027?

The Umrah season closes in stages: visa issuance ends 9 March 2027, entry into Saudi Arabia ends 23 March 2027, and all Umrah-visa holders must leave by 7 April 2027.

What is the last date to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah in 2027?

23 March 2027. Airlines will not board Umrah-visa holders travelling after this date.

What is the last date to apply for an Umrah visa for 2027?

9 March 2027. The visa issuance system closes completely after this date until the new season opens post-Hajj.

Can I still do Umrah after Hajj 2027?

Yes. The Umrah season is expected to reopen a few weeks after Hajj concludes, typically around mid-to-late June or July, though the exact date is confirmed closer to the time.

What happens if I overstay past the exit deadline?

Overstaying beyond 7 April 2027 breaches Ministry regulations and can result in fines, deportation at your own expense, or longer-term entry restrictions, so planning your return flight with a safety buffer is strongly advised.

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Verified Umrah Travel Specialist

Written By: Yasir Ali

A senior advisor at Taqwa Tours with over a decade of Umrah planning experience. Every article is written by our in‑house travel experts who have guided thousands of pilgrims from the UK. We share only accurate, up‑to‑date information to help you prepare for your journey.