Umrah 2025 Season: Visa Dates, Nusuk App & Travel Rules (1447 AH Guide)
Umrah 2025 season isn’t just a calendar event; it’s a turning point for millions preparing to return to the sacred lands. Picture this: you’re wrapped in Ihram, standing at the threshold of Masjid al-Haram, nerves tingling, but your heart suddenly sinks. You’re not sure if your Umrah permit is active. That split-second doubt? It’s brutal. And this year, with the 1447 AH Umrah season now live, the process has changed. It’s smoother, but stricter.
The Saudi Ministry didn’t just reopen applications; they overhauled the system. Now, the Nusuk app is the gatekeeper, and every date visa issue, entry, and exit matters. If you miss a single step, there’s no fixing it at the airport. So yeah, this isn’t just a timeline. It’s your ticket to a lifetime memory. Ignore it, and your journey could end before it even begins.
📌 TL;DR: 2025 Umrah Season Key Facts
Visa issuance began: June 10, 2025 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446)
Pilgrim arrivals started: June 11, 2025 (15 Dhul Hijjah 1446)
Permits issued via: Nusuk app (for all countries)
Deadline to issue Umrah visa: March 20, 2026 (1 Shawwal 1447)
Final arrival into KSA: April 3, 2026 (15 Shawwal 1447)
Mandatory exit: April 18, 2026 (1 Dhul Qadah 1447)
E-Visa holders were banned from Makkah: April 29 to June 11, 2025
New Umrah season officially opened: June 12, 2025 (1 Muharram 1447)
Why This Year’s Umrah Timeline Matters More Than Ever
You’ve probably seen it happen. Families book flights, land in Jeddah, only to be turned away because their Umrah permit didn’t align with entry deadlines. The 2025 Umrah season (1447 AH) is built with precision, and any misstep could cancel your entire trip.
Let’s break it down:
- Visa issuance started right after Hajj, on June 10
- Nusuk app is the only accepted platform for international pilgrims
- Entry deadlines and Umrah visa validity are enforced to the day
- E-visa and tourist visa holders had strict blackout dates during the Hajj
Honestly, that’s where most confusion begins. And this year, the Ministry isn’t taking any chances.
Everything You Need to Know About the Nusuk App in 2025
What is Nusuk and Why It’s Non-Negotiable Now
If you’re planning Umrah from outside Saudi Arabia, Nusuk isn’t optional anymore. It’s the Kingdom’s official digital platform for:
- Booking Umrah permits
- Reserving slots for Rawdah visits in Medina
- Tracking health requirements
It’s smooth, multilingual, and honestly? A lifesaver.
How to Use Nusuk Step-by-Step
- Download Nusuk (available for iOS/Android)
- Sign in using your passport and visa info
- Choose your Umrah date + time
- Select Rawdah visit (optional)
- Confirm and receive your digital permit
And yes, you’ll need to show it at every checkpoint.
Visa Dates, Deadlines & Travel Restrictions Explained
Saudi Arabia isn’t just reopening Umrah. They’re rolling it out with military-grade scheduling.
Key Visa & Travel Dates
| Event | Hijri Date | Gregorian Date |
|---|---|---|
| Visa issuance starts | 14 Dhul Hijjah 1446 | June 10, 2025 |
| Pilgrim arrivals begin | 15 Dhul Hijjah 1446 | June 11, 2025 |
| Last visa issuance date | 1 Shawwal 1447 | March 20, 2026 |
| Last entry into Saudi Arabia | 15 Shawwal 1447 | April 3, 2026 |
| Mandatory departure | 1 Dhul Qadah 1447 | April 18, 2026 |
Restrictions for Some Countries
In April 2025, 14 countries were temporarily banned from short-term visas:
- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia and others
This was lifted after Hajj 2025, so Umrah resumed on June 10 for everyone.
Timeline for Umrah Agents, Companies & E-Visa Holders
Agent & Service Provider Timeline
- March 25, 2025: External agent qualification started
- April 14, 2025: Contracts signed during the Hajj & Umrah Forum
- May 27, 2025: Final deadline for Umrah service agreements
- Jan 20, 2026: Last date for external agent approval (1 Sha’ban 1447)
Tourist Visa & EVW Holders
- You can enter KSA, but you can’t do Umrah during Hajj blackout dates
- Entry to Makkah banned: April 29 – June 11, 2025
Let’s face it, most casual tourists won’t know this until they’re blocked at the border. Don’t be that person.
Umrah Permit Validity, Travel Tips & What NOT to Do
Common Mistakes Pilgrims Made Last Year
- Booking flights without checking the visa cut-off
- Relying on non-Nusuk apps
- Entering Makkah on a tourist visa during Hajj
- Missing Rawdah reservation window
Smart Tips for Smooth Umrah in 2025
- Always check permit status 24 hrs before travel
- Use Nusuk or Tawakkalna only
- Finalise bookings 2 weeks before the cut-off dates
And here’s the cool part: Nusuk lets you rebook instantly if plans change. That’s gold.
You Can Also Read
- Umrah Rules for Single Women 2025: Mahram Guidelines, New Saudi Law & Travel Tips
- Saudi Arabia’s New Hajj Rules for Women 2025: Mahram Exemptions Backed by Hadith
Top Questions About Umrah 2025 Season, Visas & Nusuk Permits
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – 2025 Umrah Season
When did Umrah visa applications open for 2025?
Umrah visa issuance started on June 10, 2025, just a day after the Hajj season ended.
How can I apply for an Umrah permit from outside Saudi Arabia?
You’ll need to download the Nusuk app, register your details, and select your preferred Umrah date and time.
Is a tourist eVisa enough to perform Umrah in 2025?
Yes, but only after June 11, 2025. You can’t use a tourist visa to perform Umrah during the Hajj blackout window.
What’s the last date to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah?
The final date to enter the Kingdom on an Umrah visa is April 3, 2026.
How do I check if my Umrah permit is still valid before I travel?
Log into the Nusuk app and check if your permit QR code shows green — that means it’s active.
Can I visit the Rawdah in Madinah without a permit?
No, you must book a separate Rawdah visit via the Nusuk app, even if you already have an Umrah permit.
What mistakes should I avoid during the 2025 Umrah season?
Don’t rely on outdated apps, miss visa deadlines, or travel during restricted dates. That’s how most get turned back.
Is there a specific time when Umrah is not allowed?
Yes, Umrah is suspended during Hajj season, particularly from late April to mid-June 2025.
How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa?
You must exit by April 18, 2026 at the latest, or face penalties.
What’s the best time to go for Umrah weather-wise in 2025?
Aim for November to February — cooler temperatures and lighter crowds.
Farrukh Farooqi has been living in Sharaya, Makkah, Saudi Arabia since 2010. With over 14 years of firsthand experience witnessing the sacred journey of millions of pilgrims, Farrukh specializes in providing practical, insider tips for Hajj and Umrah travelers. His work blends real-world observations, the latest Saudi updates, and essential crowd management strategies — helping pilgrims and worshippers plan smarter, stay safer, and experience a spiritually fulfilling journey across the Holy Cities.
