RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the schedule for the new Umrah season 1448 Hijri, providing important dates for pilgrims worldwide wishing to perform Umrah.
As per information revealed by the ministry, the process of issuing Umrah visas would begin from May 31, 2026, and pilgrims would be able to start acquiring their Umrah permits via the ‘Nusk’ app from June 1, 2026.
The period to obtain Umrah visas has been determined till March 9, 2027, while the last date of arrival in Saudi Arabia for the purpose of Umrah is March 23, 2027. Similarly, the last date to leave Saudi Arabia would be April 7, 2027.
Authorities have stated that all preparations for the new Umrah season have been made with the purpose of providing better services and facilitating worshippers during the pilgrimage of Umrah.
Additionally, the moon has been sighted by the Saudi Supreme Court. Eid al-Adha will fall on 27 May, 2026, where the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah will fall on 18 May, 2026, and Wuquf at Arafat will take place on 26 May 2026.
There are many Pakistani pilgrims who have started their Hajj rituals in Makkah. In addition, pilgrims from Madinah are still being shifted to Makkah.
Big relief for Umrah pilgrims as Saudi Arabia unveils e-gates service
Earlier, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced an e-gates immigration system, aiming to make the entry procedure faster and more convenient for Umrah pilgrims.
The Saudi General Directorate of Passports has introduced an automated immigration system which functions as an e-gates immigration service for Umrah pilgrims who arrive in Saudi Arabia.
The facility has been launched especially for Umrah pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia especially during the month of Ramadan when millions of Muslims across the world visit the kingdom to perform Umrah.
It has been reported that the automated immigration gates will enable Umrah pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia to complete their immigration formalities quickly.
It has also been reported that the automated immigration gates will verify the information of passengers arriving in Saudi Arabia within seconds, thus enabling them to complete their entry and exit formalities quickly.
It has also been reported that the introduction of an e-gates immigration service for Umrah pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia is expected to facilitate their entry into the kingdom, thus making their journey more convenient.
