Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the final dates for issuing Umrah visas and for pilgrims entering and leaving the Kingdom.
According to the ministry, the last day for issuing Umrah visas will be the first day of Shawwal. Pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia before the 15th of Shawwal, while all Umrah visitors will be required to leave the country by the first day of Dhul-Qadah.
The announcement was made during the ministry’s 17th consecutive virtual meeting with Saudi Umrah companies. During the meeting, officials emphasized the importance of complying with regulations related to both the Umrah and Hajj seasons.
The ministry also reiterated that Hajj must be performed using a valid Hajj visa and cannot be carried out using an Umrah visa.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs said that preparations for Hajj 2026 are continuing according to schedule despite the international situation. The issuance of visas for Hajj pilgrims is progressing rapidly, and the Hajj flight schedule will be released after Eid al-Fitr.
Arrangements for accommodation and other essential facilities for pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah are also being finalized.
The spokesperson advised intending pilgrims to rely only on official sources for Hajj-related information, including the Pak Hajj App or the ministry’s official website.
Pakistan’s federal cabinet has also introduced important changes in the distribution of the Hajj quota this year. Under the Hajj Policy 2026, the government Hajj scheme quota has been increased to 70 percent, while 30 percent has been allocated to private Hajj tour operators.
In 2025, Pakistan’s total Hajj quota was 179,210, which was divided equally between the government and private sectors.
Last year, more than 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims were unable to perform Hajj due to mismanagement. The new policy aims to ensure transparency, better monitoring, and easier access for pilgrims under the government scheme.
