Saudi Arabia will resume issuing Umrah visas and allow international pilgrims to enter the Kingdom from May 31, 2026, according to an announcement made by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The decision marks the official beginning of the new Umrah season following the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, during which Saudi authorities temporarily suspend Umrah visa processing to manage operational and logistical arrangements.
Umrah, which can be performed throughout the year, attracts millions of Muslims from around the world, including a large number of pilgrims from Pakistan. In recent years, Pakistan has remained one of the leading contributors to Umrah travel due to strong religious tourism demand, extensive travel networks, and the availability of group and family pilgrimage packages.
As a result, announcements regarding the reopening of Umrah travel are closely monitored by Pakistani travel agencies and airlines because they directly influence booking activity, airfare demand, and visa processing schedules.
Saudi authorities regulate Umrah travel in different phases each year to effectively manage crowd movement in Makkah and Madinah while ensuring infrastructure capacity and public safety after Hajj operations conclude. Officials aim to maintain smooth arrangements for pilgrims through coordinated scheduling and entry management.
The reopening on May 31 is expected to restart pilgrimage inflows and allow travel operators to resume full-scale bookings for individuals, families, and organised groups planning visits to the holy cities.
Meanwhile, travel industry representatives in Pakistan anticipate increased demand for Umrah packages in the coming weeks as pilgrims begin preparations for post-Hajj travel. Airlines and tour operators are also expected to expand services and promotional offers to accommodate the anticipated rise in bookings following the reopening announcement by Saudi authorities.
