Umrah Visa Numbers Surge in 2026 – Book Early

Umrah Visa Numbers Surge in 2026: What the Growing Season Means for Your Trip

Saudi Arabia’s current Umrah season, running under the Islamic calendar year 1448H, is on track to be one of its busiest yet. According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Umrah visa arrivals rose 23% to more than 1.3 million in the period from late May 2026 to mid-July 2026, compared with the same stretch the previous season.

What the Numbers Show

At the very start of the season, the Ministry reported a 22.5% rise in Umrah visa arrivals, reaching 931,500 pilgrims within the opening weeks, with total international arrivals topping 1.27 million. Pakistan topped the list of pilgrim nationalities, followed by Indonesia and Iraq.

This builds on an already record-breaking previous season, when more than four million Umrah visas were issued in a five-month stretch in late 2025. The trend across both seasons points the same way: more pilgrims, arriving faster, every year.

Reasons behind the continued growth include:

Wider visa eligibility, now that tourist, family, transit, and work visa holders can all perform Umrah
A new multiple-entry Umrah visa, valid for 365 days with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days, launched in 2026
Ongoing digital improvements through the Nusuk platform, making applications faster
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 target of 150 million visitors a year, with religious tourism a key driver

What This Means If You're Planning to Travel

Rising pilgrim numbers, season after season, have practical knock-on effects:

Hotel availability near the Haramain tightens earlier each year, especially for peak weeks and Ramadan.
Flights fill up faster, with prices climbing the closer you book to your travel dates.
Visa processing benefits from experienced handling, since eligibility rules and visa types (including the new multiple-entry option) have become more varied.
Ziyarat and transport slots are busier during weekends and UK school holidays.

Note: Sudi Arabia ETA for UK citizens is the best alternative to the Umrah visa

How Adam Travel Helps

Adam Travel sells complete Umrah packages, including flights, visa processing, transport, Ziyarat, and hotel accommodation, so rising demand doesn’t mean a harder trip to plan. As a Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah approved operator, Adam Travel keeps track of visa updates like the new multiple-entry option and secures your hotel and travel arrangements well ahead of peak season.

Get in touch with Adam Travel to book your 2027 Umrah trip early and travel with confidence.

FaQ's

How many Umrah visas have been issued in 2026 so far?

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported a 23% rise in Umrah visa arrivals to more than 1.3 million between late May and mid-July 2026, compared with the same period the previous season.

Is this higher than the 2025 season?

Both seasons have set records in different ways. The 2025 season saw more than four million visas issued in five months. The 2026 season opened even stronger, with arrivals up 22–23% year-on-year.

What is the new multiple-entry Umrah visa?

Launched in 2026, it’s valid for 365 days from issuance and allows multiple entries, with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days. Each visit still requires a service package booked through Nusuk.

Does higher demand affect pricing and availability?

Yes. As visa numbers rise year over year, hotels and flights near peak dates fill up earlier. Booking ahead with a fixed package price is the best way to avoid last-minute cost increases.

Sources: Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah / Pilgrim Experience Program (via AGBI, Ground News); Saudi Press Agency

Verified Travel Specialist

Written By: Yasir Ali

Our content and package information are carefully reviewed by experienced Umrah travel specialists to ensure accuracy, reliability, and the latest updates.