When Hajj is on the verge of starting, Saudi authorities are forced to shut down Umrah temporarily. In case of the year 2026, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has declared the last date to depart Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrims. Umrah visa holders must exit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by April 18, 2026. This is the last date of departure from Saudi Arabia and a reminder to those who have Umrah visa by the Saudi authorities.
Why Saudi Arabia Warns Umrah Pilgrims for Departure Rules?
The Saudi government sets the rules for departure of Umrah every year before the start of Hajj season. Similarly, for 2026, pilgrims of Umrah are instructed to leave the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia before April 18, the 1st of Dhul Qadah 1447 AH. However, the final potential date of Saudi Arabia entry using valid Umrah visas is April 3, 2026 (15 Shawwal 1447 AH).
Final dates are announced as the authorities must begin preparations of the Hajj season. This routine deadline is part of the usual transition that signify the end of Umrah season and start of the Hajj. There are many pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia whose pilgrimage impacted by this decision. However, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made it clear that this transition has nothing to do with anything internal matters; it’s included in their yearly calendar.
Penalties for Overstaying Visa Limits
Umrah pilgrims can face penalties for overstaying the visa limits. Saudi officials warned that failure to follow visa regulations could lead to harsh penalties. The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Hajj & Umrah have imposed very strict penalties against violations for the year 2026. If someone is caught failing to follow the deadline or not leaving the Kingdom on the given date, then these could be the outcomes:
- First-time overstay fine
- Fine for performing Hajj without an official permit
- Jail or imprisonment of at least six months
- Deporting from the country on an individual’s personal expenses
- Passport blacklisting
- Immediately caught at checkpoints
Moreover, if any Saudi citizen or resident (friend, family, or any close relative) is caught giving shelter to overstayers in any condition, they will also face penalties. Hence, violators and supporters will equally face punishment.
Exit Rules for non-Umrah Visas
Non-Umrah visa exit rules are similar to the travellers with Umrah visa rules. It however also depends on what city in Saudi Arabia you are residing and what your visa status is. Any traveller on a tourist visa or any other visa (except Umrah visa) will also have to leaver Makkah by April 18, 2026. They may remain in any other city like Madinah, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam if their visa allowed. However, they have to vacate Makkah since only Hajj pilgrims with a legitimate permit or card will be allowed entry to the holy city.
When is Umrah opening after Hajj 2026?
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah states that the new Umrah season to begin in mid-June 2026. It’s estimated that the new Umrah visa issuance will be offered around June 10, 2026. Thus, Umrah pilgrims will start making their spiritual journeys to Saudi Arabia starting June 11, 2026. Keep in mind, these are the dates announced by Saudi authorities.
Regardless of the entry or exit dates of Umrah, the motive remains the same which is to worship Allah SWT.
