Saudi Ministry announces dates for Umrah season
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced important dates for the start of the upcoming Umrah season.
According to the Saudi Ministry, Umrah pilgrims will be able to enter Mecca from 15 Dhul-Hijjah 1448 AH, while the issuance of Umrah visas will start from 31 May 2026.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says that Umrah permits will be available through the Nusq app from 1 June 2026.
The last date for visas is 1 Shawwal 1448 AH (9 March 2027), while the last date for entry of pilgrims has been set as 15 Shawwal 1448 AH (23 March 2027).
The last date for the departure of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia has been set as 30 Shawwal 1448 AH, 7 April 2027.
Saudi authorities have instructed pilgrims to complete their registration and travel documents on time to avoid any difficulties in performing Umrah.
Saudi govt announces important guidelines before Hajj 2026
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has issued a special guide for the convenience, safety, and better guidance of Hajj pilgrims during Hajj 2026.
According to Saudi authorities, the instructions aim to provide a safe, organized, and calm environment for the guests of the Most Gracious so that the pilgrims can perform the Hajj rituals with ease.
The guide issued by the Saudi Ministry of Interior provides details of the entrance and exit routes of the Grand Mosque, Tawaf-e-Kaaba, specific tracks for Sa’i, and various locations so that the pilgrims do not face any difficulty during their travel.
According to the guidelines, separate routes have been allocated for pilgrims using wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs. Authorities have clarified that the Sa’i corridor is reserved only for those performing Sa’i, so sitting there or blocking the path should be avoided.
The Saudi Interior Ministry has instructed pilgrims to ensure the use of masks during rush hours and to fully comply with safety rules. Officials say that maintaining discipline will help provide better facilities to pilgrims.
The Interior Ministry has also emphasized compliance with Hajj regulations and warned that entering Mecca or the holy shrines without a permit will be considered a violation of the law.
According to officials, strict action will be taken against those who enter the holy sites without a Hajj permit, and punishments will be given under the relevant laws.
The Saudi government says that all institutions are mobilized to make Hajj arrangements more effective, while pilgrims have been asked to follow official instructions and avoid any violations.
