Hajj 2026 Dates & Umrah Season Closure: MUST Book Before April 13 | Complete Calendar

Hajj 2026 Dates & Umrah Season Closure: MUST Book Before April 13

Published: November 27, 2025 Last Updated: December 12, 2025

CRITICAL: Umrah season closes for Hajj 2026! The strict deadline for entry is April 13, 2026. If you're researching "when does Umrah close for Hajj 2026", "how many days before Hajj Umrah closed", or "Umrah closing date 2026", this official guide has the confirmed Ministry dates.

Quick Answer: When Does Makkah Close for Hajj 2026?

Umrah Closing Date 2026: Umrah visas stop being issued on March 20, 2026 (Shawwal 1). The last entry into Saudi Arabia for Umrah is April 13, 2026.

• Hajj 2026 Dates: ~May 25 - May 29, 2026
• Umrah Visa Expiry: You must leave by April 29, 2026.
• How many days before Hajj does Umrah close? Approximately 45 days before Hajj begins (Mid-April closure vs Late May Hajj start).

✅ Book Before April 13 Deadline →

Detailed Hajj 2026 Timeline & Key Deadlines

Understanding the Islamic calendar is crucial for planning your trip. Here are the key dates for the 1447 AH Hajj season:

1. Umrah Visa Issuance Stops

• Date: March 20, 2026 (Shawwal 1, 1447 AH)
• What it means: You cannot apply for a new Umrah visa after this date. If you haven't secured your visa by late Ramadan, you might miss out.

2. Last Date for Umrah Entry (The "Umrah Stop" Date)

• Date: April 13, 2026 (Shawwal 25, 1447 AH)
• Query Answer: "When does Umrah stop before Hajj 2026?"
• What it means: You must physically arrive in Saudi Arabia by this date. Airlines will deny boarding to Umrah visa holders after this deadline. This is the hard cut-off.

3. Last Date for Umrah Exit

• Date: April 29, 2026 (Dhul Qadah 11, 1447 AH)
• What it means: You must leave Saudi Arabia. Staying beyond this date with an Umrah visa is a violation of residency laws and can lead to fines and deportation.

4. Hajj Rituals Begin

• Date: ~May 25, 2026
• What it means: Makkah becomes exclusively for Hajj pilgrims. All non-Hajj visitors are restricted from entering the Holy City.

Why Does Umrah Close?

Saudi Arabia pauses Umrah to prepare for the massive influx of Hajj pilgrims. Millions of people from around the world converge on Makkah, requiring immense logistical preparation.

• Crowd Control: Clearing the Haram ensures safety for Hajjis.
• Maintenance: Deep cleaning and infrastructure checks.
• Logistics: Transitioning hotels and transport for Hajj groups.

Planning Strategy: How to Squeeze in a Trip

If you want to perform Umrah before the Hajj closure, you have a narrow window after Ramadan.

The "Shawwal Umrah" Opportunity

The period between Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) and the Hajj closure is known as Shawwal.

• Pros: Much quieter than Ramadan, lower prices, pleasant weather.
• Cons: Short booking window (approx. 3 weeks).

Recommended Itinerary:

• Arrive: April 1-5, 2026
• Perform Umrah: Immediately upon arrival
• Depart: Before April 20, 2026 (to be safe)

✅ Check Availability for April →

What Happens if I Overstay?

Overstaying your Umrah visa is a serious offense.

• Fines: Up to SAR 50,000
• Deportation: Immediate removal at your expense
• Ban: 10-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia
• Jail: Potential imprisonment

Don't risk it. Book your return transport with a reliable provider like UmrahTransit to ensure you reach the airport on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I perform Umrah during Hajj?

No. Umrah is suspended for international pilgrims during the Hajj season. Only those with a specific Hajj visa can perform rituals during this time.

How many days before Hajj is Umrah closed 2026?

Umrah entry typically closes about 6 weeks (40-45 days) before the Hajj rituals begin. For 2026, entry closes April 13, and Hajj starts around May 25.

When does Umrah reopen after Hajj 2026?

Umrah typically resumes in mid-Muharram, which would be around mid-June to early July 2026. The exact date is announced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah closer to the time.

Do I need a special visa for Shawwal Umrah?

No, the standard Umrah visa works, provided it is issued before the cutoff date (March 20) and you enter before the deadline (April 13).

Summary: Key Deadlines

| Event | Date | Action Required | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Visa Issuance Ends | March 20, 2026 | Apply NOW | | Last Entry ("Umrah Stop") | April 13, 2026 | Book Flights | | Last Exit | April 29, 2026 | Book Return Transport |

Don't get caught by the deadline! Secure your transport today.

✅ Book Your Transport Now →

Related: Ramadan Umrah 2026 | Visa Requirements