The sacred time is approaching when the golden sunlight spills across the marble tiles of the Grand Mosque as pilgrims complete their final tawaf, and the air fills with a quiet reverence and a sense of spiritual closure.
As the holy month of Dhul Hijjah approaches, the Ministry of Hajj & Umrah in Saudi Arabia has officially announced the Last Date for Entry and Exit for Umrah Pilgrims. This marks the final window for this spiritual journey before the Kingdom fully shifts its focus to Hajj 2025.
Whether you’re currently in the Kingdom or planning to visit soon, here’s everything you need to know.
What’s the Last Exit Date for Umrah Pilgrims?
According to the Ministry, all Umrah pilgrims must exit the Kingdom by April 29th, 2025 (corresponding to the 1st of Dhul Qadah). This applies to all Umrah, tourist, and business visa holders.
Entry into Saudi Arabia for Umrah has now officially closed, and pilgrims with active visas are advised to complete their rituals and prepare for departure before the deadline.
Equally important, the ministry set April 13, 2025 (Shawwal 15) as the final entry date for anyone arriving to perform Umrah.
After this date, no new Umrah pilgrims will be allowed into Saudi Arabia, and visa issuance will remain paused until after the Hajj concludes.
In a statement, the ministry said that Shawwal 15, corresponding to April 13, is the last date for the pilgrims to enter the Kingdom for performing Umrah.
The ministry emphasized that overstaying this date is a violation subject to legal penalties.
It urged individuals as well as Umrah service providing companies and establishments to adhere to the regulations and instructions related to the departure of pilgrims within the specified times. – Saudi Gazette
Why the Restriction?
This is standard practice as Saudi Arabia transitions from the Umrah season to Hajj preparations. With millions of pilgrims expected to arrive for Hajj, the Kingdom pauses all other non-essential travel, including tourism, business, and family visits.
This is done to ensure logistical focus and safety for the pilgrims arriving for the larger pilgrimage.
The Umrah pilgrims’ entry and exit deadline is part of a carefully coordinated strategy to manage crowd control, visa regulations, and operational readiness for one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
Important: Pilgrims who stay beyond the April 29 deadline will be in violation of Saudi Arabia’s entry and visa regulations and may face penalties of up to SAR 100,000.
This deadline applies to all international pilgrims, regardless of whether they arrived on an Umrah, tourist, or visit visa. The Kingdom is urging all pilgrims to respect the regulations and ensure timely departure to avoid legal consequences.
Some Key Dates to Remember
- Umrah Entry Closed: Effective immediately
- Last Exit Deadline: April 13th, 2025 (1st Dhul Qadah)
- Visa Suspensions: Effective for all non-essential travel and 14 listed countries
- Umrah Resumes: Post-Hajj, around late July or early August
Still in the Kingdom?
The Ministry of Hajj & Umrah Announces the Last Date for Entry and Exit for Umrah Pilgrims
If you’re residing in Saudi Arabia and haven’t made your Umrah this year, this is your last chance. Whether you’re in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, this week might be your ideal window to make that heartfelt trip to the Holy Mosque in Makkah.
Many local residents are often busy with umrah proceedings, but this seasonal deadline serves as a spiritual nudge and a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and reconnect before the gates temporarily close.
Visa Suspensions & Country Bans – Last Date for Entry and Exit for Umrah Pilgrims
As part of the transitional process, the Ministry has also suspended all visa issuances for 14 countries, including various African and Asian nations, due to high demand, crowd control concerns, and logistical limitations. This includes both new Umrah visas and other types of short-term entry permits.
The decision underscores the Kingdom’s prioritization of safety and organization as it prepares for the Hajj season.
When Will Umrah Visas Resume?
The Ministry typically reopens Umrah visa applications shortly after the Hajj season concludes, usually around late July or early August.
This timeline may vary each year based on operational feedback and global travel conditions, so travelers are advised to stay updated via official government channels or trusted travel agencies.
The last date for entry and exit for Umrah Pilgrims is announced each year to assist the citizens as well as the visitors.
The Final Call
The final date to enter and exit for Umrah pilgrims has officially been set, signaling the end of the season and the Kingdom’s pivot toward Hajj. For pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia, now’s the moment to complete the sacred rites and prepare to exit before the cutoff.
And for local residents, if you’ve been putting off your visit to Makkah, this might just be the sign you’ve been waiting for.
For official confirmation and updates, please visit the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
FAQs
What is the last date for Umrah pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia in 2025?
The final date to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah is April 13, 2025 (Shawwal 15). After this date, no further Umrah pilgrims will be permitted entry into the Kingdom for this season.
What is the deadline for Umrah pilgrims to leave Saudi Arabia before Hajj?
All foreign Umrah pilgrims must exit Saudi Arabia by April 29, 2025 (Dhul Qada 1). Staying beyond this date violates Saudi visa and pilgrimage rules.
What happens if a pilgrim overstays after April 29?
Overstaying the deadline could result in fines of up to SAR 100,000 and possible bans from future entry. The Kingdom enforces strict regulations to maintain the sanctity and organization of pilgrimage seasons.
Are all types of visas suspended before Hajj?
Yes. In preparation for Hajj, Saudi Arabia suspends the issuance of Umrah, tourist, business, and family visit visas. This temporary pause ensures smooth Hajj operations and security for pilgrims.
I’m living in Saudi Arabia! Can I still perform Umrah before Hajj?
Yes! If you’re a resident of the Kingdom and hold a valid permit, now is the perfect time to visit Makkah for Umrah before the season closes. Take advantage of the quieter crowds and spiritual atmosphere before the Hajj influx begins.
