Saudi Arabia will resume issuing Umrah visas on Tuesday, June 10, paving the way for international pilgrims to return to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina—just days after concluding one of the safest and most efficiently managed Hajj seasons.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah earlier announced the start of the new Umrah season and expects the first wave of foreign pilgrims to arrive on Wednesday, June 11.
As per the official calendar of the ministry, visa issuance will commence on June 10 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446). The authorities directed Umrah companies and international agents to confirm their service contracts by May 27 (29 Dhul Qadah 1446).
The news follows a successful Hajj season where over 1.6 million pilgrims from all over the world took part.
Umrah are open all year, running into 2026
In contrast to Hajj, Umrah is not limited to certain dates and can be undertaken at any time of the year. The current cycle of Umrah will go through 2026 (1447H). Future details shall come in subsequent months in connection with quotas for pilgrims, travel regulations, and health measures.
Visa pause supports Hajj operations
Saudi Arabia normally stops issuing Umrah visas weeks prior to the Hajj season to guarantee smooth organization and implementation of the yearly pilgrimage.
This pause enables authorities to dedicate their full logistical, health, and security resources to managing the significantly higher influx of Hajj pilgrims, who arrive over a much shorter period.
