Umrah Deadline Before Hajj 2027: Last Dates for UK Pilgrims | Umrah Insights
By Quratulain Jawad · Updated
Every year, Saudi Arabia closes the Umrah season for a few weeks so that Makkah and Madinah can get ready for Hajj. If you're planning to travel from the UK in early 2027, especially for Ramadan, Eid or the Easter holidays, these dates will decide whether your trip works. Miss one, and you could have a visa you can't use, flights you can't board, or a hotel booking you lose.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has published the official 1448 AH Umrah calendar. Below we explain each deadline in plain English, show how it fits around Ramadan and the UK school holidays, and give you a simple plan so your journey goes smoothly, in sha Allah.
Quick answer: For the 1448 AH season, the last day to get an Umrah visa is 9 March 2027, the last day to enter Saudi Arabia on it is 23 March 2027, and every Umrah pilgrim must leave by 7 April 2027. |
Key Umrah dates for 2027 at a glance
Milestone | Hijri date | UK date | What it means for you |
Last Umrah visa issued | 1 Shawwal 1448 | Tue 9 March 2027 | No new Umrah visas can be issued after this day (Eid al-Fitr). |
Last day to enter Saudi Arabia | 15 Shawwal 1448 | Tue 23 March 2027 | You must land in the Kingdom on or before this date. |
Last day to leave Saudi Arabia | 30 Shawwal 1448 | Wed 7 April 2027 | All Umrah visa holders must have departed. |
Day of Arafah (expected) | 9 Dhul Hijjah 1448 | Sat 15 May 2027 | Hajj. Only pilgrims with a Hajj visa can take part. |
New Umrah season (expected) | Mid Dhul Hijjah 1448 | Late May / June 2027 | Umrah visas reopen after Hajj. The exact date will be announced. |
Hijri dates follow the Umm al-Qura calendar. Hajj and Eid dates depend on moon sighting and may move by a day.
The 2027 Umrah closing timeline: from Ramadan to the new season.
What each deadline actually means
1. Last visa issuance: 9 March 2027
This is the last day an Umrah visa can be applied for and issued through the official system. It falls on Eid al-Fitr itself, so in practice you should have your visa well before the end of Ramadan. Agents and the Nusuk platform are usually very busy in the last ten nights, so leaving it late is a real risk.
2. Last entry: 23 March 2027
Having a visa isn't enough. You must also arrive in Saudi Arabia by 15 Shawwal. If you land on 24 March, you may be refused entry, and airlines may not let you board in London, Manchester or Birmingham at all. We recommend arriving at least two to three days before this date in case of delays or missed connections.
3. Last exit: 7 April 2027
This is the date the Umrah season formally ends. Every Umrah pilgrim must have left the Kingdom by 30 Shawwal. Hotels near the Haram start preparing for Hajj in this period, so we advise booking your return flight a few days before 7 April rather than on the final day.
Important: The date printed on your own visa still applies. If your visa or booking ends before 7 April, the earlier date is the one you must follow. |
Why does Saudi Arabia pause Umrah before Hajj?
Hajj brings around two million pilgrims to Makkah, Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat within a few days. To make that safe, the authorities need the time between Shawwal and Dhul Hijjah to:
· Free up hotel rooms, transport and services in Makkah for Hajj pilgrims
· Prepare the holy sites, crowd-management systems and health services
· Control who enters Makkah, which during Hajj season is limited to people with Hajj permits or residency
· Prevent people from attempting Hajj without an official Hajj visa, which is not permitted
Umrah isn't "cancelled" for the year. The season simply closes for a few weeks and reopens after Hajj.
Planning Umrah in Ramadan 2027
Ramadan 1448 is expected to begin around 8 February 2027, with Eid al-Fitr around 9 March 2027. That means the whole of Ramadan falls inside the Umrah season, but only just.
· Last ten nights (about 27 Feb – 8 Mar): the busiest and most expensive time. Book flights and hotels as early as you can.
· Eid in Makkah: very possible, but your visa must be issued before Eid, because 9 March is the final issuance day.
· Staying after Eid: you can stay into Shawwal, but you must leave by 7 April at the latest.
UK families: watch out for Easter 2027
This is the trap many UK families fall into. Easter Sunday 2027 is 28 March, and most schools in England and Wales break up around 26 March. That is after the last entry date of 23 March.
February half-term works well. Easter holidays fall after the entry cut-off.
· February half-term (around 15–19 Feb 2027): this falls in the first half of Ramadan and is a good option for families.
· Easter holidays: an Umrah trip starting in the Easter break will not be possible on an Umrah visa this season.
· Alternative: look at the new season from summer 2027, including the UK summer holidays.
School term dates vary by local authority. Check your child's school calendar.
Can I do Umrah between April and Hajj 2027?
For most UK travellers, no. Once the season closes, Umrah visas are not issued and entry to Makkah is restricted ahead of Hajj. Saudi tourist eVisa holders should not plan to perform Umrah during this period either. If you hold a tourist visa, read our guide on whether you can do Umrah on an eVisa from the UK and always check the latest rules before booking.
Hajj itself can only be performed with an official Hajj visa through an authorised provider. It cannot be done on an Umrah or tourist visa.
When does Umrah reopen after Hajj 2027?
For the current season, Saudi Arabia began issuing Umrah visas again on 31 May 2026, shortly after Hajj. If a similar pattern is followed, the 1449 AH season is likely to open in late May or June 2027. The official date will be announced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and we'll update this guide as soon as it is.
What happens if you miss a deadline?
· Missed issuance: you can't get an Umrah visa until the new season opens.
· Missed entry: you may be refused boarding or entry, and non-refundable flights and hotels may be lost.
· Overstaying: this can lead to fines, deportation and future travel bans, and can also cause problems for your travel agent.
Your 2027 Umrah planning checklist
Umrah 2027 planning checklist for UK pilgrims
· Check your passport has at least 6 months' validity from your travel date
· Book with an ATOL-protected UK operator so your money is protected
· Get your visa well before Ramadan ends, not on the last day
· Arrive in Saudi Arabia by 20 March to leave a safe buffer before 23 March
· Book your return flight a few days before 7 April
· Make sure your hotel dates match your visa and flight dates
· Children under 18 travelling should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Check the latest requirements.
· Keep copies of your visa, insurance and booking details on your phone and on paper
Not sure how much to budget? See our guide to how much Umrah costs from the UK, or read about the best time of year for Umrah.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date for Umrah in 2027?
The last day to get an Umrah visa is 9 March 2027, the last day to enter Saudi Arabia is 23 March 2027, and all Umrah pilgrims must leave by 7 April 2027.
Can I perform Umrah during Ramadan 2027?
Yes. Ramadan 2027 (around 8 February to 9 March) falls fully within the Umrah season. Just make sure your visa is issued before Eid al-Fitr.
Can I go for Umrah during the Easter holidays 2027?
Not on an Umrah visa. Most UK Easter holidays begin around 26 March 2027, after the last entry date of 23 March.
Is Umrah closed for the whole of 2027?
No. Only the period from early April until shortly after Hajj is closed. A new Umrah season is expected to open in late May or June 2027.
Can I do Hajj with an Umrah or tourist visa?
No. Hajj can only be performed with an official Hajj visa obtained through an authorised provider.
Where can I check the official dates?
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (haj.gov.sa) and the Nusuk platform publish the official calendar. A licensed travel agent can also confirm the latest dates for you.
Plan your 2027 Umrah with confidence
ATOL-protected Umrah packages from the UK, with clear prices and support from people who know the deadlines. Let us handle the dates while you focus on your ibadah. View our Umrah packages or get a free quote.
