Differences between Hajj and Umrah Visas: Do Not Get It Wrong
Hajj and umrah visas serve distinct purposes. As their names suggest, hajj visas are specifically for performing the hajj pilgrimage during the hajj season, whilst umrah visas are used for umrah pilgrimage outside the hajj season.
According to guidance from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s official Instagram account, pilgrims must avoid using visas other than their designated purpose, such as visitor or work visas for hajj. The risks include substantial fines, deportation, and entry bans.
Key differences between hajj and umrah visas include:
Hajj Visa: Exclusively for performing regular or special hajj pilgrimage
Issued through official government systems and the Indonesian Hajj Travel Agency Association (PIHK)
Valid only during the hajj season (Dhul-Hijjah month)
Integrated with official service systems (Nusuk platform, accommodation, transport, and healthcare)
Must not be substituted with other visa types
Risk of denial of entry, deportation, and legal sanctions
Umrah Visa: Exclusively for performing umrah outside the hajj season
Issued through official umrah travel agencies (PPIU)
Valid according to Saudi Arabian government regulations
Integrated with services for Masjidil Haram and Masjid Nabawi
Must ensure the visa used is an official umrah visa
Avoid using tourist or pilgrimage visas for religious observance
Risks of Using Non-Hajj Visas for Hajj
Using non-hajj visas for the hajj pilgrimage is strictly prohibited. Several visa types, such as umrah visas, visitor (pilgrimage) visas, and work (employment) visas, are frequently misused for hajj purposes.
The risks of using non-hajj visas for hajj include:
Fines of up to SAR 100,000 (approximately 440 million rupiah)
Deportation from Saudi Arabia
Entry ban to Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years
2026 Hajj Journey Schedule
The following is the detailed schedule for the 1447 Hijri/2026 CE hajj pilgrimage:
21 April 2026 / 4 Dhul-Qa’dah 1447 H: Hajj pilgrims enter hajj dormitories
22 April 2026 / 5 Dhul-Qa’dah 1447 H: First wave of hajj pilgrims depart from Indonesia to Medina
1 May 2026 / 14 Dhul-Qa’dah 1447 H: First wave begins departure from Medina to Mecca
6 May 2026 / 19 Dhul-Qa’dah 1447 H: Final departure of first wave from Indonesia to Medina
7 May 2026 / 20 Dhul-Qa’dah 1447 H: Second wave begins departure from Indonesia to Jeddah
15 May 2026 / 28 Dhul-Qa’dah 1447 H: Final departure of first wave from Medina to Mecca
21 May 2026 / 4 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 H: Final departure of second wave from Indonesia to Jeddah
21 May 2026 / 4 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 H: Closing date for Jeddah airport clearance (24:00 WAS)
25 May 2026 / 8 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 H: Departure of pilgrims from Mecca to Arafah
26 May 2026 / 9 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 H: Standing at Arafah
27 May 2026 / 10 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 H: Eid al-Adha 1447 H
28 May 2026 / 11 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 H: First day of Tashriq
29 May 2026 / 12 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 H: Second day of Tashriq (First departure)
30 May 2026 / 13 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 H: Third day of Tashriq (Second departure)
1 June 2026 / 15 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 H: First wave begins return from Mecca via Jeddah Airport to Indonesia
1 June 2026 / 15 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 H: First wave begins arrival in Indonesia
7 June 2026 / 21 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 H: Second wave begins departure from Mecca to Medina
15 June 2026 / 29 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 H: Final return of first wave from Jeddah to Indonesia
16 June 2026 / 1 Muharram 1448 H: Islamic New Year 1448 H
16 June 2026 / 1 Muharram 1448 H: Second wave begins return from Medina to Indonesia
16 June 2026 / 1 Muharram 1448 H: Second wave begins arrival in Indonesia
21 June 2026 / 6 Muharram 1448 H: Final departure of second wave from Mecca to Medina
30 June 2026 / 15 Muharram 1448 H: Final return of second wave from Medina to Indonesia
1 July 2026 / 16 Muharram 1448 H: Final arrival of second wave in Indonesia