Saudi Arabia Allows Local Residents and GCC Citizens to Perform Umrah Until 3 May 2026

The Saudi Arabian government continues to provide opportunities for its citizens and nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to perform Umrah until 15 Zulkaidah 1447 Hijriyah, corresponding to 3 May 2026. This policy allows domestic pilgrims to take advantage of the final days before the peak Hajj season begins. Saudi citizens and GCC nationals are permitted to enter Mecca to perform Umrah without needing a Hajj permit. This facilitation is part of the Saudi authorities’ arrangements during the transition from the Umrah season to the Hajj season. “Umrah pilgrims are exempted from the obligation to obtain a Hajj permit to enter Mecca for their worship,” as quoted from a report by Saudi Gazette on Wednesday (29/4/2026). Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set 1 Zulkaidah 1447 Hijriyah, or 19 April 2026, as the deadline for all foreign Umrah visa holders to leave the kingdom. This provision is enforced in line with the arrival of Hajj pilgrims from various countries to the Holy Land.