Umrah does not stay open normally throughout the Hajj season. Under current Saudi rules, dedicated Umrah visa issuance stops on 1 Shawwal, the final entry for Umrah visa holders is 15 Shawwal, and they must leave Saudi Arabia by 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah.
For Hajj 2027 / 1448 AH, the exact Gregorian operational dates have not yet been formally announced by Saudi authorities. Current calendar projections place these deadlines around March and early April 2027, but UK pilgrims should treat Gregorian dates as provisional until the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirms them.
Key Takeaways
- Umrah visa issuance currently ends on 1 Shawwal.
- Umrah visa holders can currently enter until 15 Shawwal.
- They must leave Saudi Arabia by 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah.
- The Hajj-season restriction affects more than dedicated Umrah visas.
- Makkah access and Umrah permits can also be restricted for holders of other visas.
- A tourist visa cannot be used to perform Hajj.
- Hajj requires its own authorized booking and visa process.
- Do not book close to the cut-off using estimated dates alone.
- Post-Hajj Umrah should be booked around official reopening rules.
Umrah 2027 Closing Dates at a Glance
The safest way to understand the dates is to separate official Hijri deadlines from projected Gregorian dates.
| Stage | Current Saudi Rule | 2027 Planning Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Final issuance of dedicated Umrah visas | 1 Shawwal 1448 | Around 9–10 March 2027 |
| Last entry on an Umrah visa | 15 Shawwal 1448 | Around 23–24 March 2027 |
| Final departure for Umrah visa holders | 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah 1448 | Around 8–9 April 2027 |
| Hajj-season Umrah restrictions | From 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah | Early April 2027 onward |
| Post-Hajj Umrah return | After Hajj restrictions end | Expected after mid-May, subject to confirmation |
The Hijri cut-offs come from Saudi rules. The Gregorian dates are only planning estimates because the Islamic calendar can shift with moon sighting and official Saudi announcements.
Are the Umrah Closing Dates for 2027 Confirmed?
The Hijri framework is confirmed under the current rules, but the complete 1448 AH operational timetable is not yet final.
Saudi Arabia has already started formal preparations for the 1448 AH Hajj season, including coordination with pilgrims’ affairs offices from more than 75 countries.
However, that does not mean every 2027 Gregorian deadline, Makkah-access restriction or permit date should already be treated as fixed.
For planning purposes, use the Hijri rules.
For ticketing purposes, wait for the official season announcement.
What Is the Last Date for an Umrah Visa in 2027?
Under the current Saudi system, 1 Shawwal is the final date for issuing dedicated Umrah visas before Hajj.
Saudi authorities confirmed this rule for the 1447 AH season and stated:
- 1 Shawwal — final visa issuance
- 15 Shawwal — last entry
- 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah — mandatory departure
Based on projected 1448 calendars, 1 Shawwal is expected around 9–10 March 2027.
Do not leave your visa application until that date.
Visa processing, hotel linking, flights or document problems can create delays before the formal deadline.
For visa preparation, see our Umrah Visa guide.
What Is the Last Date to Enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah?
Under current rules, dedicated Umrah visa holders must enter Saudi Arabia by 15 Shawwal.
Saudi GACA’s standing circular states that 15 Shawwal is the last entry date for Umrah visa holders each Hijri year.
For 1448 AH, this is currently expected around 23–24 March 2027.
That estimate could move by a day depending on the start of Shawwal.
Should I fly on the final entry day?
It is much safer not to.
If your:
- UK departure is delayed
- connecting flight is cancelled
- airline reschedules you
- arrival moves beyond the cut-off
you could face serious travel disruption.
Build several days of margin into your itinerary.
When Must Umrah Visa Holders Leave Before Hajj?
The current rule requires Umrah visa holders to leave Saudi Arabia by 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah.
For the 1447 AH season, Saudi authorities set 18 April 2026 as the final departure date, corresponding to 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah.
For Hajj 2027, 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah is currently projected around 8–9 April 2027.
Again, wait for official confirmation before booking close to this deadline.
Why Does Umrah Close Before Hajj?
The closure creates time and capacity for the much larger Hajj operation.
Saudi authorities need to manage:
- pilgrims entering Makkah
- Hajj permits
- hotels
- buses
- railway capacity
- Mina operations
- Arafat
- Muzdalifah
- healthcare
- crowd control
- road access
- airport movements
The 2026 arrangements show how extensive these restrictions can become. From 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah 1447, Saudi authorities suspended Umrah permits and restricted Makkah access for people without the appropriate Hajj-related permission.
So the issue is not simply “Umrah visas stop.”
The whole city moves into Hajj operations.
Can I Perform Umrah on a Tourist Visa During the Hajj Closure?
Do not assume a tourist visa lets you bypass Hajj-season restrictions.
GOV.UK confirms that e-visas, ETAs and electronic visa waivers can be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season. A separate Hajj visa is required for Hajj.
During the 2026 Hajj restrictions, Saudi authorities went further and suspended Umrah permits for:
- Saudi citizens
- GCC citizens
- Saudi residents
- holders of other visa types
from 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah until after the Hajj restriction period.
Therefore:
Having a valid tourist visa does not guarantee you can perform Umrah during Hajj restrictions.
Can British Passport Holders Still Enter Saudi Arabia During Hajj Season?
Possibly, depending on the visa and airport rules, but that is different from being permitted to enter Makkah and perform Umrah.
Current GOV.UK advice warns that Saudi authorities can restrict non-Hajj travelers from flying to Jeddah, Madinah and Taif during the Hajj period.
A person might hold a valid Saudi travel permission but still face:
- flight restrictions
- Makkah access restrictions
- Umrah permit suspension
That is why UK travelers should not treat general Saudi visa validity as permission to perform Umrah during Hajj.
Can I Convert My Umrah Visa Into a Hajj Visa?
No.
Hajj has a separate process.
GOV.UK currently states that UK pilgrims can only book a Hajj place through the official Nusuk Hajj platform.
An Umrah trip does not give you the right to remain in Saudi Arabia and perform Hajj.
Do not overstay hoping to change your pilgrimage type later.
What Happens If I Stay Beyond the Umrah Departure Deadline?
You risk violating Saudi immigration and Hajj-season regulations.
GOV.UK warns that overstaying a Saudi visa can lead to:
- large fines
- detention
- deportation
- restrictions on future entry
Saudi authorities also emphasized during previous seasons that Umrah performers must leave by the official deadline before Hajj preparations intensify.
Your visa’s printed expiry date should therefore not be used to ignore a separate seasonal Umrah departure deadline.
What If My Flight Is Delayed Near the Final Departure Date?
Do not deliberately schedule your return on the final permitted day.
A better approach is to leave a buffer.
For example, if the official deadline is eventually confirmed for 8 or 9 April, consider travelling home several days earlier rather than planning to depart at the last possible moment.
If your airline changes an existing booking, read our guide on what happens if your airline changes your Umrah flight.
Also contact your:
- airline
- Umrah provider
- visa provider
as soon as disruption appears likely.
When Will Umrah Reopen After Hajj 2027?
This is where it is important not to invent a fixed date.
For 2026, Saudi authorities suspended Umrah permits through 14 Dhu al-Hijjah, while the newer multiple-entry Umrah visa framework says activation stops from 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah through 13 Dhu al-Hijjah.
That gives us a useful indication of the current policy:
Umrah resumes shortly after the Hajj operating period ends — not automatically “2–4 weeks later.”
For 2027, wait for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to announce the 1448 AH permit and entry schedule.
Is There a New Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa?
Yes.
In July 2026, Saudi Arabia introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for 365 days, allowing up to 90 cumulative days of stay.
However, the visa is specifically deactivated during the Hajj season from 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah to 13 Dhu al-Hijjah. Each visit also requires an approved Nusuk service package and Umrah permit. برنامج خدمة ضيوف الرحمن
This is especially important for 2027 planning.
A one-year visa does not mean Umrah can be performed during the restricted Hajj period.
Do I Still Need a Nusuk Permit After Hajj?
Under the current multiple-entry Umrah framework, entry for Umrah requires an Umrah permit through Nusuk.
So when the Hajj restriction ends:
visa validity + package requirements + Nusuk permit can all matter.
Read our guide on whether you need a Nusuk permit for Umrah before travelling.
Should I Book an Umrah Trip Immediately After Hajj?
You can start planning, but do not lock yourself into a non-refundable journey based only on an estimated reopening date.
Before paying, verify:
1. Umrah permits have reopened.
2. Your visa can be activated or used.
3. Your airline is operating your intended route.
4. Your accommodation is confirmed.
5. Your Nusuk requirements are complete.
A travel advert saying “first Umrah after Hajj” is not the same as an official reopening announcement.
Is Umrah Cheaper Immediately After Hajj?
Not necessarily.
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It is safer to say that some post-Hajj dates may offer better value, rather than promising cheaper prices.
For budget planning, compare our cheap Umrah packages against your actual travel dates.
Is Post-Hajj Umrah Less Crowded?
It can be quieter than Ramadan or certain school-holiday periods, but there is no guarantee that every post-Hajj week will be quiet.
Demand changes with:
- UK school holidays
- international travel seasons
- flight prices
- hotel availability
- Saudi events
- visa reopening
- weather
If crowd level matters to you, see our guide on the quietest time to perform Umrah.
What Should UK Pilgrims Do Before Booking Near Hajj?
If you are planning Umrah between March and May 2027, use extra caution.
Before paying, check:
- your visa route
- Saudi Umrah deadline
- permitted arrival date
- required departure date
- Nusuk permit availability
- Makkah access restrictions
- flight restrictions
- cancellation terms
Avoid relying on old TikTok videos, WhatsApp messages or a previous year’s deadline.
Saudi Hajj rules can be adjusted season by season.
How Early Should I Book Umrah Before Hajj?
If you want to travel before the closure, do not deliberately choose the final available week simply because it appears cheaper.
Allow enough time for:
- visa processing
- hotel confirmation
- flight disruption
- your complete stay
- safe departure before the deadline
Our guide on how to book Umrah from the UK explains the wider planning process.
Confirmed vs Expected for Umrah 2027
This is the easiest way to avoid confusion:
| Information | Status |
|---|---|
| Final visa issuance on 1 Shawwal | Current official rule |
| Last Umrah-visa entry on 15 Shawwal | Current official rule |
| Departure by 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah | Current official rule |
| 2027 Gregorian equivalents | Estimated until officially confirmed |
| Hajj-season permit suspension | Expected under current framework |
| Exact 1448 suspension dates | Await official seasonal announcement |
| Exact post-Hajj reopening date | Not yet confirmed |
This distinction matters.
Official Hijri rules are more reliable than publishing an exact Gregorian date months before Saudi authorities announce the season timetable.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Umrah close before Hajj 2027?
Under current Saudi rules, dedicated Umrah visa issuance ends on 1 Shawwal, final entry is 15 Shawwal, and Umrah visa holders must leave by 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah.
What is the expected last entry date for Umrah in 2027?
Current calendar projections place 15 Shawwal 1448 around 23–24 March 2027. This should be treated as provisional until Saudi authorities confirm the season.
When must Umrah pilgrims leave Saudi Arabia before Hajj 2027?
Current rules set the deadline at 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah, projected around 8–9 April 2027.
Can I perform Umrah during Hajj season with a tourist visa?
Do not assume so. Saudi authorities can suspend Umrah permits and restrict Makkah entry for people who do not hold the appropriate Hajj permission.
Can I stay in Makkah until Hajj if my Umrah visa has not expired?
No. Seasonal Hajj restrictions and official departure deadlines still apply. Visa validity does not override the Hajj-season rules.
Can I turn my Umrah trip into Hajj?
No. Hajj requires its own authorized booking and visa process. UK pilgrims currently book Hajj through Nusuk Hajj.
When will Umrah reopen after Hajj 2027?
The exact 1448 AH date has not yet been formally announced. Under current Saudi policy, Umrah activity resumes after the Hajj restriction period, which currently runs into mid-Dhu al-Hijjah.
Can I book a post-Hajj Umrah package now?
You can research flights and packages, but avoid relying on a fixed reopening date until the Saudi authorities confirm the 1448 AH schedule.
Final Thoughts
The safest way to plan Umrah around Hajj 2027 is to follow the Saudi Hijri deadlines rather than relying on an unconfirmed Gregorian calendar.
Under the current rules:
1 Shawwal: visa issuance closes.
15 Shawwal: final entry for dedicated Umrah visa holders.
1 Dhu al-Qi’dah: Umrah visa holders must leave.
After that, Hajj-season restrictions can affect Umrah permits, flights and access to Makkah even for travelers holding other types of Saudi visas.
For 2027, do not treat March or April dates as final until Saudi Arabia publishes the 1448 AH operational timetable.
At Hajj Umrah Travels, we recommend UK pilgrims leave enough time between their trip and the Hajj cut-off rather than building a booking around the last possible day.
You can explore our cheap Umrah packages or contact Hajj Umrah Travels if you are planning Umrah before or after the Hajj season.
