It was officially announced that Umrah will reopen on June 11, 2026. This date corresponds to 15 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed this reopening date. Travel Formalities processing starts on June 10. Most pilgrims will not arrive in Saudi Arabia until mid to late June. This is after their documents are cleared. If you are doing post-Hajj Umrah from the UK, Aqdas Travel is here to help you plan every step.
Why Umrah Is Put on Hold Before and During Hajj
Annually, the Kingdom executes a delicate transition between the Umrah and the Hajj seasons. It is not merely a question of flipping a sign from closed to open. For over 2 million Hajj pilgrims, the Ministry vacates housing units, reconfigures transportation logistics, and redistributes security forces throughout Makkah and Madinah. That takes precision and time.
The Umrah Travel Formalities deadline for 2026 was on 18 March, the last entry date was 2 April (15 Dhul Qa’dah) and a departure would have been mandatory by 18 April. Anyone still in the Kingdom after this date who did not have a valid Hajj permit would be risking severe sanctions, with fines and travel bans on future pilgrimages if caught. If you had missed the April Umrah window this year, your next shot comes on 11 June when the post-Hajj reopening opens up.
2026 Key Dates at a Glance
| Milestone | Date (2026) | Islamic Calendar |
|---|---|---|
| Last Umrah Travel Formalities issued | 19 March | 19 Sha’ban 1447 |
| Final entry for Umrah pilgrims | 2 April | 15 Dhul Qa’dah 1447 |
| Mandatory departure deadline | 18 April | 1 Dhul Qa’dah 1447 |
| Hajj period | 24–29 May | 1–6 Dhul Hijjah 1447 |
| Umrah Travel Formalities processing resumes | 10 June | 14 Dhul Hijjah 1447 |
| Umrah officially reopens | 11 June | 15 Dhul Hijjah 1447 |
| First realistic pilgrim arrivals | Mid-late June | Dhul Hijjah 1447 |
| New Umrah year begins | Late June/July | Muharram 1448 |
What “Reopening” Truly Means in Practice
Here’s one thing that’s not in most generic travel guides at all: 11 June is the official reopening date, not the practical travel date. Travel Formalities processing normally takes five to ten days, so even if you submit on 10 June then realistic travel is earliest from around 20 June onwards.
There’s also a very narrow window right after the period when Hajj pilgrims clear out, where hotel availability near the Haram is tighter than it may seem. Hajj groups clear out but post-Hajj Umrah bookings fill just as quickly. Anyone familiar with Aqdas Travel knows that post-Hajj Umrah packages for UK pilgrims sells out within days of going live. Even a two-week wait can cut your hotel choices near Masjid al-Haram considerably.
Why You Should Book Your Post-Hajj 2026 Travel Now
The moments after Dhul Hijjah and during the Muharram month are also one of the most blessed times to perform Umrah. Most of the Hajj pilgrims have gone back home, the crowds are much thinner and a faint spiritual atmosphere still breathes the residual fragrances of Eid al-Adha.
Then again, it’s midsummer in Saudi Arabia. In July and August, temperatures in Makkah frequently breach 40°C, so pilgrims making the journey during this period should plan their schedules carefully around hydration, physical exhaustion threshold and outdoor activity hours. The tawaf in the early morning and late evening is cooler with much less crowd.
Demand for Umrah packages from Manchester and other UK cities normally spikes again from October due to cooling weather and the start of serious Ramadan 2027 planning. Knowing how far in advance to book Umrah makes a real difference to your options, and if heat is a concern, building your trip around that later window makes sense.
5 Practical Steps for Planning Post-Hajj Umrah
1. Check Your Passport Now, Not Later
At least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date is required for Saudi Arabia. It can take HMPO several weeks to process a renewal at busy times.
2. Sort Vaccinations Early
Meningitis ACWY is still an absolute requirement. Your GP or travel health clinic can give it to you, though allow at least two to three weeks before travelling for the shot to take effect and for documentation to be processed.
3. Book Through an ATOL-Licensed Operator
Financial protection matters. Aqdas Travel is ATOL registered, number 12834, so if anything goes awry before or during your trip your payments are protected under British law.
4. Submit Your Travel Formalities Application on 10 June, Not After
Issuing Travel Formalitiess usually takes five to ten days, so the earlier you submit when processing reopens the best practical chance you’ll have of travelling during the third week of June. Early applicants always obtain earlier admittance slots.
5. Stay Flexible on Proximity
The fastest-filling properties after the Hajj clearance period are within 200 metres of Masjid al-Haram. A hotel in the 200 to 500 metre range is still easy to deal with when it comes to tawaf without too much walking, and availability is significantly better.
Frequently Asked Questions: Umrah After Hajj 2026
When will Umrah open after Hajj 2026?
The official date is 11 June 2026, corresponding to 15 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, as confirmed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Can I apply for an Umrah Travel Formalities before 11 June?
Processing of Travel Formalitiess starts on 10 June. From there, you’ll be able to submit your application through one of the licensed UK operators, and give yourself the best possible window for processing.
What is the Umrah Travel Formalities processing time after Hajj?
Through an authorised agent, usually five to ten working days. Work your actual travel date around that window and not under the assumption that you will fit into some same-week entry.
Can I go for Umrah in the month of Dhul Hijjah, straight after Hajj?
Yes. Umrah resumes as soon as the Ministry restarts on 11 June, which falls within Dhul Hijjah. It does not have to be Muharram.
Do I need a separate Umrah Travel Formalities if I performed Hajj this year?
Yes, without exception. Hajj and Umrah are distinct pilgrimages with different Travel Formalities applications. A Hajj Travel Formalities cannot be used for Umrah during the same trip.
What if the reopening date gets moved by a few days?
All dates are subject to change by Saudi authorities, especially according to moon sightings. Monitor the official Nusuk platform or confirm directly with your licensed travel agent for verified updates.
Which months post-Hajj are best for a calm Umrah experience?
The best scenarios are during Muharram and the latter part of Dhul Hijjah. With Ramadan 2027 presenting peak demand, if your priority is spiritual calm, the June to September 2026 window offers the most peaceful post-Hajj experience
