Saudi Arabia has announced that it will resume issuing Umrah visas beginning Tuesday, June 10 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446), just days after concluding what has been widely described as one of the safest and most efficiently managed Hajj seasons to date. According to a confirmation by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the first wave of international pilgrims for the new Umrah season is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, June 11.
Visa Issuance Timeline and Operator Deadlines
The official visa issuance date of June 10 marks the formal opening of the new Umrah cycle, which will extend well into 2026 (1447H). In preparation, Umrah companies and international travel agents were instructed by the Ministry to finalize their service agreements no later than May 27 (29 Dhul Qadah 1446). This administrative requirement ensures that pilgrims will receive coordinated services upon arrival, including accommodation, transportation, and guidance, key elements that are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience.
A Seamless Transition Following a Safe and Efficient Hajj
The reopening of Umrah visas comes on the heels of a successful Hajj season, which concluded in early June 2025. According to official figures shared by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, more than 1.6 million pilgrims from across the globe participated in this year’s pilgrimage. The scale and logistics of Hajj are immense, and this year was no exception. The season was marked by a series of well-executed safety and operational measures, contributing to smooth rituals across the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. Key operational highlights included:
- 3,314 flights operated by 62 airlines
- Flights connected 238 cities in 71 countries
- proactive public safety campaign
The success of Hajj 2025, marked by minimal disruption and efficient crowd management, has paved the way for a confident and timely return to Umrah operations.
Why Umrah Visas Are Temporarily Suspended Before Hajj
Saudi authorities traditionally pause Umrah visa issuance several weeks before Hajj begins. This pause is critical to ensuring that the nation’s full logistical, health, and security capabilities are focused exclusively on accommodating the Hajj pilgrimage, which occurs over a concentrated time frame and involves a significantly larger number of pilgrims compared to Umrah. By suspending Umrah operations temporarily, the Kingdom ensures:
- Uninterrupted planning and execution of Hajj
- Safer conditions for all pilgrims
- More efficient use of resources during peak pilgrimage time
Year-Round Umrah Access and What to Expect Next
Unlike Hajj, which is bound to a specific Islamic lunar period, Umrah is open year-round. With visa issuance now resuming, Saudi Arabia is preparing to host a fresh influx of pilgrims who wish to perform the lesser pilgrimage in the coming months. According to the Ministry, updates will continue to be released in the near future regarding:
- Pilgrim quotas
- Travel protocols
- Health and safety guidelines
As part of its long-term vision, Saudi Arabia is expected to incorporate lessons from Hajj 2025 into the ongoing modernization and streamlining of the Umrah experience.
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