Indian in Saudi Arabia· indianinsaudi · hajj-umrah · 9 min read
Saudi Umrah 'Quota System' 2026 Explained: 1448 Season Dates, Visa Rules & Complete Indian Expat Guide
Is there a new Umrah quota for 1448 AH? No official per-country Umrah quota has been announced. Official 1448 season dates, the 30-day Umrah visa entry window, the new multiple-entry Umrah visa, Nusuk permits and health rules for Indian expats.
⚠️ Correction (November 12, 2026): An earlier version of this guide described a “new quota system” with fixed monthly Umrah slots per country (including a dedicated allocation for India), released on the 1st of each Hijri month. We could not find any official source for this, and we have removed it. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has not published per-country Umrah quotas for 1448 AH, and in September 2026 its Undersecretary for Umrah said there are no new requirements for Umrah pilgrims. Crowd management at the Grand Mosque works through time-slot permits in the Nusuk app. We also removed unverified Nusuk “features”, insurance minimums and vaccine rules, and updated the visa rules.
Saudi Arabia’s 1448 AH Umrah season (2026-2027) runs from May 31, 2026 to April 7, 2027. For Indian expats in Saudi Arabia — and those planning to bring family from India — here’s what is officially confirmed.
🎯 Executive Summary: What’s New for 1448 AH
| Topic | Details | Impact on Indian Expats |
|---|---|---|
| ”Quota system” | No official per-country Umrah quota has been announced; the Ministry said in Sept 2026 there are no new requirements for pilgrims | Don’t wait for a monthly “quota opening” — book permits and packages as needed |
| Season Dates | Visas from May 31, 2026; last visa issuance Mar 9, 2027; last entry Mar 23, 2027; last departure Apr 7, 2027 | Plan travel well before the March 2027 cut-offs |
| Nusuk Permits | Every Umrah needs a free Nusuk permit for a date and time slot | Residents log in with Nafath; busy periods fill fast |
| Visa Types | Single-entry Umrah visa (enter within 30 days of issue, stay up to 90 days); new multiple-entry Umrah visa (since July 20, 2026: valid 365 days, 90 days’ total stay) | Time the visa close to the travel date |
| Health Requirements | Meningococcal (ACYW) vaccine mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims; other vaccines depend on country | India is not on the polio-requirement list |
1️⃣ 1448 AH Umrah Season Calendar (Key Dates)
| Milestone | Hijri Date | Gregorian Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Issuance & Entry Begin | Dhul Hijjah 14, 1447 | May 31, 2026 | Umrah visas issued; pilgrims can enter the Kingdom |
| Makkah Entry & Nusuk Permits | Dhul Hijjah 15, 1447 | June 1, 2026 | Umrah permits via the Nusuk app |
| Final Visa Issuance | Shawwal 1, 1448 | March 9, 2027 | Last day to get an Umrah visa issued |
| Final Entry to KSA | Shawwal 15, 1448 | March 23, 2027 | Must enter Saudi Arabia by this date |
| Final Departure | Shawwal 30, 1448 | April 7, 2027 | Must exit the Kingdom by this date |
Source: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — 1448 AH Umrah season calendar
⚠️ Note: After March 23, 2027, Umrah-visa pilgrims can no longer enter; those already in the Kingdom must leave by April 7, 2027. Do not plan new Umrah-visa travel for late March 2027.
2️⃣ Is There an Umrah Quota in 2026?
What is officially confirmed
- No published country quotas for Umrah: fixed country quotas apply to Hajj, not Umrah. We found no Ministry announcement of monthly per-country Umrah quotas for 1448 AH.
- No new requirements: in a September 2026 interview, Abdulmohsen Al Salem, the Ministry’s Undersecretary for Umrah and Visit Affairs, said there are no new requirements for Umrah and that procedures continue to be simplified (Asharq Al-Awsat).
- Capacity is managed by time slots: every Umrah needs a Nusuk permit for a specific date and time slot. Slots are limited, so popular times (especially Ramadan) can be fully booked.
What this means for you
- Peak periods (Ramadan, school holidays) are busier — book your Nusuk permit, hotel and transport early.
- Quieter periods are generally easier for permits and hotels, but there is no official “off-peak quota” to plan around.
3️⃣ Umrah Visa Types: Which One Do You Need?
| Visa Type | Key Rules | Via |
|---|---|---|
| Umrah Visa (single entry) | Enter within 30 days of issue; stay up to 90 days; issued only after hotel and transport are booked on Nusuk | Licensed Umrah companies/agents or Nusuk Umrah (depending on nationality) |
| Multiple-entry Umrah Visa (launched July 20, 2026) | Valid 365 days; 90 days’ total stay; each visit needs a Nusuk service package and an Umrah permit; not activated from 1 Dhul Qadah to 13 Dhul Hijjah | Nusuk (approved service package) |
| Tourist eVisa / other visit visas | Umrah allowed outside the Hajj period with a Nusuk permit; eligibility depends on nationality | Visit Saudi / MOFA |
| Family Visit Visa | Visitors can perform Umrah outside the Hajj period with a Nusuk permit | MOFA visa platform |
Sources: SPA/Pilgrim Experience Program — multiple-entry Umrah visa, Saudi Gazette, Aug 2026. The 30-day entry window and “no booking, no visa” rule are widely reported by the Umrah industry since 2025 — check the validity printed on your issued visa.
For Indian Expats in KSA (Bringing Family from India)
Indian passport holders generally get the Umrah visa through a licensed Umrah company/agent with a Nusuk-registered package (hotel + transport). Alternatively, family on a family visit visa can perform Umrah outside the Hajj period after booking a Nusuk permit. Your Nusuk account (as a resident) does not issue visas for relatives abroad.
4️⃣ Step-by-Step: Book an Umrah Permit via Nusuk (Residents, 2026)
Prerequisites
- ✅ Valid Iqama (for residents)
- ✅ Nafath set up on your phone (used to log in to Nusuk) — and an Absher account for government services
- ✅ Nusuk app installed (iOS/Android), updated to the latest version
- ✅ Visitors from India: a valid visa that allows Umrah, plus the required meningococcal vaccination
Application Process
| Step | Action | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Nusuk and log in with Nafath (visitors register with passport/visa details) | Nusuk app or website |
| 2 | Select “Umrah Permit Booking” | Nusuk |
| 3 | Add companions (family members) before choosing a time, if booking together | Nusuk |
| 4 | Choose the date and an available time slot | Nusuk |
| 5 | Issue the permit — it’s free and issued immediately, with a QR code | Nusuk |
Source: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — Umrah permit application
For Family Members in India
- Book an Umrah package through a licensed Umrah company/agent (hotel and transport must be registered on Nusuk before the visa is issued)
- Apply for the Umrah visa through that provider and time it close to the travel date (30-day entry window)
- Complete the meningococcal vaccination at least 10 days before arrival
- After the visa is linked, book the Nusuk permit for the Umrah date and time
💡 Need to send money to family in India? SNB Neo (referral link) is one digital-banking option popular with expats.
5️⃣ When to Go: Busy Periods in 1448 AH
| Period | Approx. Dates | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Muharram – Rabi al-Awwal) | Jun – Sep 2026 | Extreme heat; plan early-morning or night slots |
| Winter / school holidays | Dec 2026 – Jan 2027 | Pleasant weather, busier |
| Ramadan | ~Feb 8 – Mar 8, 2027 (moon-sighting dependent) | Busiest period — book permits, hotels and flights early |
| Shawwal | From Mar 9, 2027 | Last visa issuance Mar 9; last entry Mar 23; last departure Apr 7 |
Practical Tip for Indian Expats
Book your Nusuk permit as soon as your dates are fixed, and check the app for released slots if your preferred time is full. There is no official monthly quota release to wait for.
6️⃣ Health & Insurance Requirements
Vaccinations (Saudi Ministry of Health)
| Vaccine | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Meningococcal (ACYW) | Mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims: conjugate vaccine within 5 years, or polysaccharide within 3 years, and at least 10 days before arrival |
| Polio | Only for travellers from countries on the MoH list (India is not on it) |
| Yellow fever | Only for travellers from listed African/South American countries |
| COVID-19 | Required only for at-risk groups (over 65, pregnant, certain chronic conditions) |
| Seasonal flu | Recommended |
Source: MoH — Health Requirements for Umrah (latest published version is for 1447H; check for a 1448H update before travel).
Health Insurance
- Umrah visas come with mandatory medical insurance arranged as part of the visa process — confirm what your provider includes.
- Residents performing Umrah use their existing health coverage.
7️⃣ Common Indian Expat Scenarios & Solutions
Scenario 1: “I’m in KSA on Iqama, want to bring parents from India for Umrah”
Options: an Umrah visa through a licensed Umrah company/agent, or a Family Visit Visa — then book Nusuk permits for the Umrah date.
Scenario 2: “My family in India wants to come for Umrah, I’ll meet them in Makkah”
They apply for an Umrah visa through a licensed provider. You book your own Nusuk permit with Nafath; they register in Nusuk as visitors with their passport and visa details and book their own permits for the same date and time. Guide: Check Iqama Expiry
Scenario 3: “I want to perform Umrah myself this season”
Book your own permit on Nusuk with Nafath. Choose a less busy time for a better experience. Digital Iqama on Tawakkalna
Scenario 4: “Parents have a visit or tourist visa — can they do Umrah?”
Yes, outside the Hajj period, with a Nusuk Umrah permit. How to Apply Umrah Visa
Scenario 5: “What if my preferred permit slot is full?”
Try another date or time slot, or check the app again later — slots are released as bookings are cancelled. There is no official separate “agent quota” to buy into.
8️⃣ Nusuk App: Features Confirmed by the Ministry
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Umrah & Rawdah permits | Free time-slot permits for the Grand Mosque and Al-Rawdah |
| Companions | Book the same slot for family members |
| Nusuk AI | In-app assistant answering questions by text and voice |
| Digital Mutawwif | Counts Tawaf/Sa’i circuits and guides you to less crowded areas |
| Packages | Umrah packages and services from approved providers |
Source: Asharq Al-Awsat interview with the Ministry, Sept 2026
9️⃣ FAQ: Indian Expat Umrah 2026 Questions
Q: Can I apply for an Umrah permit if my Iqama expires in 2 months?
Your Iqama should be valid on the date of Umrah — but renew it first to avoid problems. Check Iqama Expiry
Q: How many Umrah permits can I get per season?
The Ministry has not published a per-season limit. Nusuk lets you hold one active permit at a time; once it is used or cancelled you can book again.
Q: Can I change my Umrah permit date after booking?
Cancel the booking in Nusuk and book a new date/time slot (subject to availability).
Q: Do children need permits?
Add every family member, including children, as a companion when booking.
Q: What if I miss my permit time slot?
The permit is tied to its date and time slot. If you miss it, book a new slot.
Q: Is there a “VIP” or “fast-track” quota?
No official VIP quota has been announced. Licensed companies sell packages (hotel, transport, services), but permits are booked through Nusuk.
🔗 Related Guides for Indian Expats
| Topic | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Umrah Visa Online (Nusuk) | Step-by-Step Guide |
| Umrah Season 1448 Opens | Official Announcement |
| Umrah Permits on Nusuk | Booking Guide |
| Check Iqama Expiry Before Travel | How to Check |
| Digital Iqama on Tawakkalna | Setup Guide |
| Family Visit Visa + Umrah | Combine Both |
💰 Money Transfer Tip
Sending Umrah expenses to family in India? SNB Neo (by Saudi National Bank) is a digital-banking app popular with expats. 👉 Open SNB Neo Account (referral link)
Last updated: November 12, 2026. Umrah rules can change — always verify on Nusuk and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before booking. This article is for informational purposes only.
