Visa for Umrah Opens Again from June 10

Saudi Arabia has announced that it will reopen for issuing Umrah visas starting Tuesday, June 10 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446), just days after successfully concluding what has been recognised as one of the safest and most efficiently managed Hajj seasons to date.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that the first wave of international pilgrims is expected to arrive on Wednesday, June 11, signalling the start of the new Umrah season.

Visa Issuance Timeline and Key Deadlines
The official date for visa issuance marks the formal opening of the new Umrah cycle, which will continue into 2026 (1447H). In preparation, Umrah companies and international travel agents were advised to finalise their service agreements by no later than May 27(29 Dhul Qadah 1446).

This administrative step ensures that pilgrims will benefit from coordinated services on arrival, including accommodation, transportation, and guidance — all part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to enhance the pilgrim experience.

A Seamless Transition After a Successful Hajj
The reopening follows a highly successful Hajj season, which concluded in early June 2025. According to official figures from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, over 1.6 million pilgrims from around the world participated in this year’s pilgrimage.

The season’s logistics were managed with great precision, marked by a series of safety and operational measures that facilitated smooth rituals at the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. Highlights included:

• 3,314 flights operated by 62 airlines
• Connections to 238 cities across 71 countries
• A proactive public safety campaign

The success of Hajj 2025, with minimal disruption and effective crowd management, has laid a strong foundation for the confident and timely resumption of Umrah operations.

Why Is Umrah Visa Issuance Paused Before Hajj?
Typically, Saudi authorities suspend issuing Umrah visas a few weeks before Hajj begins. This temporary pause allows the Kingdom to fully focus its resources on facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage, which involves a significantly larger number of pilgrims and requires extensive planning.

By suspending Umrah visas during this period, Saudi Arabia can:

• Ensure uninterrupted planning and safety measures for Hajj
• Provide safer conditions for all pilgrims
• Optimise resource allocation during peak times

Year-Round Umrah and What’s Next
Unlike Hajj, which is confined to specific lunar dates, Umrah remains open year-round. With visas now available again, Saudi Arabia is preparing to welcome a new wave of pilgrims eager to perform the lesser pilgrimage in the coming months.

The Ministry will continue to update on matters such as:

• Pilgrim quotas
• Travel protocols
• Health and safety guidelines

As part of its long-term vision, Saudi Arabia aims to incorporate insights from Hajj 2025 into ongoing efforts to modernise and enhance the Umrah experience.