Hajj 2026 Umrah Closure Timeline: Official Dates & Deadline (Confirmed)

Hajj 2026 Umrah Closure Timeline: Official Dates & Deadline (Confirmed)

Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Source: Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Official Announcements

If you are asking "When does Makkah close for Hajj 2026?" or looking for the "Umrah closure 2026 timeline", you cannot afford to guess. Missing the deadline means your visa will be rejected or you will be denied entry at Jeddah airport.

Here is the single source of truth for the 1447 AH / 2026 AD Hajj season closure, verified with official Saudi government sources.

🚨 The Critical Date: April 3, 2026

Umrah OFFICIALLY closes for entry on April 3, 2026.

This is the "Last Entry" date confirmed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. You must be physically inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by this date. Airlines will strictly deny boarding to anyone holding an Umrah visa after this cutoff.

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📅 Hajj 2026 Umrah Closure Timeline (Official - Verified)

Save this timeline. These dates are based on the official Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announcements for 1447 AH.

| Phase | Date (Gregorian) | Date (Hijri) | Status | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Visa Applications Close | March 19-20, 2026 | Shawwal 1, 1447 | 🛑 STOP (No new visas) | | Last Entry to KSA | April 3, 2026 | Shawwal 15, 1447 | ✈️ FINAL ARRIVAL | | Last Exit from KSA | April 18, 2026 | Shawwal 30, 1447 | 🛫 MANDATORY DEPARTURE | | Hajj Rituals Begin | May 25-30, 2026 | Dhul Hijjah 8-13, 1447 | 🕋 HAJJ ONLY |

1. Visa Issuance Stops: March 19-20, 2026

The Ministry stops issuing new Umrah visas approximately 2 weeks before the entry closure. If you haven't applied by mid-March, you are likely too late.

• Strategy: Apply for your visa in February or early March 2026 to be safe.
• Ramadan 2026: Ramadan is expected February 17-March 18, 2026. Apply before or during early Ramadan.

2. The "Hard Closure" (Last Entry): April 3, 2026

This answers the common query: "When does Makkah close for Hajj 2026?" After this date, the borders are sealed for Umrah pilgrims to allow authorities to clear the Haram and prepare for Hajj.

• Warning: Do not book a flight landing on April 3rd. Flight delays could cause you to miss the cutoff. Aim for March 30 - April 1 at the latest.
• Airport Enforcement: Immigration officers at Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam airports will turn away Umrah visa holders arriving after April 3.

3. The "Overstay" Danger (Last Exit): April 18, 2026

You must depart Saudi Arabia by this date - exactly 15 days after the last entry date.

• how many days before hajj umrah closed? You must leave approximately 37 days before Hajj actually begins (April 18 exit vs May 25 Hajj start). This buffer period is strictly enforced.
• Consequences: Overstaying carries severe penalties:
  • Fines up to SAR 50,000
  • Immediate deportation at your expense
  • 10-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia
  • Potential imprisonment

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Why Does Umrah Close So Early?

Pilgrims often ask, "Why can't I perform Umrah just days before Hajj?"

The closure is a massive logistical necessity. Saudi Arabia welcomes over 2 million Hajj pilgrims in a span of 2 weeks. The "Closure Period" (from April 3 to May 25) is used to:

1. Clear the City: Ensure all Umrah pilgrims have left to make space for Hajj infrastructure.
2. Security Sweeps: Secure Makkah boundaries for Hajj permit holders only.
3. Hotel Turnovers: Deep clean and prep hotels for Hajj groups.
4. Transport Logistics: Reroute buses and trains for Hajj-specific routes.
5. Health Preparations: Set up medical facilities and emergency response systems.

Can I Enter Makkah with a Tourist Visa During Closure?

NO. From approximately May 10th onwards, police checkpoints (checking for Hajj permits) are established at all entry points to Makkah (including the Haramain Train station).

• Tourist Visa Holders: You can visit Jeddah, Madinah, Riyadh, Taif, etc., but you CANNOT enter Makkah during the Hajj season without a specific Hajj permit.
• Penalty: Caught trying to enter Makkah without authorization? SAR 10,000 fine and immediate deportation.

Your Last Chance: "Shawwal Umrah"

If you want to squeeze in a trip before the closure, aim for the "Shawwal Umrah" window.

• Window: March 20 - April 1, 2026 (Post-Ramadan, Pre-Closure).
• Benefits: Significantly cheaper and less crowded than Ramadan. Pleasant weather.
• How to Book: Secure your Transport and Visa immediately after Eid al-Fitr (around March 20).
• Recommended Itinerary: 7-10 days maximum to ensure you exit before April 18.

✅ Check Availability for Shawwal Umrah Transport →

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Summary for Travelers

• If you want to go before Hajj: You MUST arrive before April 3, 2026.
• If you are already there: You MUST leave by April 18, 2026.
• If you want to wait: Umrah reopens approximately July 2026 (Muharram 1448 AH).

Don't risk your journey. Book with a provider who knows the official rules.

👉 Book Your Pre-Hajj Umrah Transport Now