Last Date to Enter Makkah for Umrah 2026

(UK, US, Canada & Australia Umrah Pilgrims Guide - READ THIS CAREFULLY BEFORE BOOKING YOUR UMRAH PACKAGE)

Planning Umrah in 2026 requires careful attention to Saudi Arabia’s official Hajj-season restrictions. Every year, the Kingdom announces strict cut-off dates for Umrah pilgrims, after which entry into Makkah is restricted to ensure smooth and safe Hajj operations.

For pilgrims travelling from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia, understanding these dates is especially important due to long-haul travel, visa timelines, and airline checks.

This guide explains the last date to enter Makkah for Umrah 2026 before Hajj, visa deadlines, exit rules, tourist/eVisa restrictions, and when Umrah is expected to reopen after Hajj.

What Is the Last Date to Enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah 2026?

The last date to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah is 2nd April 2026.

This means:

• Your flight must land in Saudi Arabia on or before 2 April 2026
• Entry after this date on an Umrah visa is not permitted
• Airlines may deny boarding if this date is missed

For UK, US, Canada, and Australia pilgrims on long-haul flights, it is strongly advised to arrive at least 3–5 days earlier to avoid delays.

Last Date to Apply for Umrah Visa – 19 March 2026

All Umrah visa applications must be completed on or before 19th March 2026.

Important notes:

• Applications submitted after this date will not be processed
• This applies to all nationalities, including UK, US, Canada & Australia
• Processing delays are common close to the deadline

👉 Best practice: Apply at least 7–10 days before 19 March 2026.

Last Date to Leave Makkah – 18 April 2026

All Umrah pilgrims must exit Makkah by 18th April 2026.

After this date:

• Staying in Makkah on an Umrah or tourist visa is not allowed
• Hotels stop accommodating Umrah guests
• Security checkpoints strictly enforce exit compliance

Pilgrims may:

• Travel to Madinah, or
• Exit Saudi Arabia,
• but cannot remain in Makkah beyond this date.

Failure to leave Makkah by 18 April 2026 may result in fines, penalties, or future visa issues.

Important Note for UK, US, Canada & Australia Pilgrims (Tourist / eVisa)

Pilgrims from the UK, United States, Canada, and Australia are eligible for a 1-year multiple-entry Saudi tourist visa / eVisa, which allows Umrah to be performed outside the Hajj season.

⚠️ However, visa validity does NOT override Hajj cut-off restrictions.

What This Means Clearly

• Your tourist or eVisa may still be valid
• But entry into Makkah is strictly restricted after the cut-off dates
• Movement restrictions apply regardless of visa type

❌ Umrah visa

❌ Tourist visa

❌ eVisa

Only Hajj visa holders, residents with permits, or authorized workers are allowed to enter Makkah after the cut-off.

Can You Perform Umrah After the Deadline?

❌ No.

After the Umrah cut-off:

• Umrah rituals are suspended
• Tourist and Umrah visa holders cannot access Makkah
• Hotels and transport are reserved exclusively for Hajj pilgrims

Umrah resumes only after Hajj concludes.

When Can You Re-Enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah After Hajj 2026?

The post-Hajj Umrah reopening dates for 2026 have not yet been officially announced.

Based on previous years:

• Umrah visas usually reopen 25–30 days after Eid ul Adha (Bakrid)
• This typically falls in late Dhul Hijjah or early Muharram
• Official confirmation is issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah

⚠️ Pilgrims should wait for official announcements before booking post-Hajj Umrah travel.

What Happens If You Miss Any of These Deadlines?

Missing any of the official deadlines may result in:

• Denied boarding at departure airports
• Entry refusal at Saudi immigration
• Visa cancellation
• Fines or penalties
• Issues with future Saudi visa approvals

Saudi authorities enforce these rules digitally through:

• Airline verification systems
• Hotel registrations
• Checkpoints around Makkah

Key Umrah 2026 Timeline (Quick Reference)

• Last date to apply for Umrah visa: 19 March 2026
• Last date to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah: 2 April 2026
• Last date to leave Makkah: 18 April 2026
• Umrah reopening after Hajj: Yet to be announced (usually 25–30 days after Eid ul Adha)

Planning Tips for UK, US, Canada & Australia Pilgrims

To avoid last-minute stress:

• Apply for your visa early
• Avoid travelling close to the cut-off dates
• Complete Umrah soon after arrival
• Book hotels near Masjid al-Haram in advance
• Monitor official Saudi announcements

Early planning also ensures better hotel availability and pricing, especially for families and elderly pilgrims.

FAQs

What is the last date to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah 2026?

The final entry date is 2nd April 2026.

Can I stay in Makkah after 18 April 2026 on a tourist visa?

No. Staying in Makkah after this date is not allowed without a Hajj permit.

Does the 1-year multiple-entry visa allow Umrah during Hajj season?

No. Entry into Makkah is restricted after the cut-off dates regardless of visa validity.

When will Umrah reopen after Hajj 2026?

Dates are yet to be announced, but Umrah usually resumes 25–30 days after Eid ul Adha.