Saudi Arabia Announces April 29 Departure Deadline for Foreign Umrah Pilgrims
As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia prepares for the upcoming Hajj season, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially set April 29, 2025 (corresponding to Dhul Qadah 1, 1446 in the Islamic calendar) as the final date for foreign Umrah pilgrims to exit the country.
This move is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to manage the increasing number of pilgrims and ensure smooth and safe arrangements for the Hajj, which typically attracts over 2 million Muslims from around the world each year. The directive applies to all pilgrims who entered the Kingdom for Umrah purposes under short-term religious visas.
Important Entry and Exit Deadlines for Umrah Pilgrims
The Ministry has issued clear guidance on key dates:
- Last Day to Enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah:
April 13, 2025 (Shawwal 15, 1446 AH) - Last Day to Exit the Kingdom:
April 29, 2025 (Dhul Qadah 1, 1446 AH)
These dates apply to all foreign nationals entering the country for Umrah purposes via an Umrah visa. The ministry has also clarified that Umrah visas are valid for 90 days from the date of entry and cannot be renewed or converted into other visa types. Overstaying a visa could result in penalties, including fines, deportation, or bans on future entry.
Umrah Visa Regulations and Digital Platforms
To streamline the process, the Ministry encourages pilgrims to apply for Umrah visas through authorized digital platforms, such as the Nusuk app—a government-backed initiative aimed at making pilgrimage-related services easier and more accessible.
Through Nusuk, pilgrims can:
- Apply for and manage visa applications
- Book transportation and accommodation
- Access important travel and health updates
- Plan their visits to holy sites like Makkah and Madinah
Pilgrims are urged to complete all travel and visa formalities well in advance of the cut-off dates. Travel agencies and Umrah operators are also instructed to clearly communicate these requirements to avoid last-minute issues for travelers.
Why the Deadline Matters
The April 29 deadline is not arbitrary. Saudi authorities enforce this timeline to manage crowd control and prepare logistical infrastructure for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, which is set to take place in June 2025.
By requiring all Umrah pilgrims to leave the country by the specified date, the government can:
- Free up space in key locations such as Makkah and Madinah
- Prepare transportation and accommodation for Hajj pilgrims
- Ensure public health and security protocols are in place
- Avoid congestion and overcrowding during peak periods
Authorities have learned from previous years that overlapping the two groups—Umrah and Hajj pilgrims—can place an enormous strain on local services and infrastructure. The separation of timelines helps maintain better organization and safety for everyone involved.
Health and Safety Requirements
Health is a top priority, especially after the global COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented travel restrictions and challenges in recent years. To protect pilgrims and Saudi citizens alike, the Ministry of Health mandates the following vaccinations for Umrah pilgrims:
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Seasonal influenza
- COVID-19 (most recent dose)
- Polio and Yellow Fever (required only for visitors from certain high-risk countries)
Travelers must carry valid vaccination certificates with them and may be subject to checks upon arrival at Saudi airports.
In addition, pilgrims are encouraged to:
- Wear masks in crowded areas
- Stay hydrated and avoid heat exhaustion
- Use the Nusuk app for emergency alerts and health updates
These health measures are part of a broader effort to ensure that pilgrims can perform their religious duties safely and comfortably.
Vision 2030: A New Era for Pilgrimage
Saudi Arabia is currently undergoing major transformations under its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and improve the quality of services in key sectors—including religious tourism.
As part of this vision, the Kingdom aims to:
- Welcome over 15 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2025
- Upgrade infrastructure at religious sites
- Expand the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque
- Launch digital solutions for a seamless pilgrimage experience
The Guests of God Service Programme is one of the core components of this vision. It focuses on enhancing pilgrims’ satisfaction by providing high-quality services, from immigration and transportation to lodging and spiritual experiences.
Already, millions of Umrah pilgrims have benefited from smoother entry procedures, faster eVisa processing, and better crowd management during their stay.
Advice for Pilgrims Planning Their Journey
With the final deadline approaching, foreign pilgrims are strongly advised to plan their trips with these dates in mind. Below are a few key takeaways for a smooth Umrah experience:
- Book travel and accommodation well in advance
- Use only official apps and agents (like Nusuk or licensed Umrah operators)
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months
- Take note of visa expiration and leave before April 29, 2025
- Follow local laws and public health guidelines at all times
Pilgrims who overstay their visas may face legal consequences, including fines and restrictions on future travel to Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s announcement of the April 29, 2025 deadline for Umrah pilgrims to leave the country is a critical reminder for all planning to undertake this spiritual journey. As the country moves forward with Hajj preparations and broader development plans under Vision 2030, pilgrims are urged to follow official guidelines, meet visa requirements, and stay updated through trusted sources.
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