Many first-time pilgrims search the same question: what is the difference between Umrah and Hajj, and which one can I plan for? The two are closely linked, they share several rites and they take place in the same sacred city. But on the practical side, they work very differently. When you can go, which visa you need and how permits are handled all change depending on which one you are planning.
This page covers only the practical, official side: timing, visas and permits, taken from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Nusuk platform and Visit Saudi. Questions about the rites, about who must perform Hajj or about the rulings for your own situation belong with a qualified scholar, so we leave them out here.
Quick answer
Short answer: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah describes Umrah as a visit to the Sacred House that isn’t tied to set days, so it can be done at any time of year within the Umrah season. Hajj takes place once a year, in its own season. During the Hajj season, entry to Makkah is reserved for Hajj pilgrims, and the tourist visa can’t be used for Umrah then. Umrah permits are booked in Nusuk, and the Ministry lists them as free.
The core difference: timing
The clearest practical difference is the calendar. The Ministry’s Umrah page explains that “Umrah” means a visit, and that it isn’t tied to particular days. That’s why pilgrims can plan it around school holidays, work leave or a family visit.
Hajj is different. It happens once a year, in a fixed season, and that season shapes everything else. Nusuk notes that during the Hajj season, entry to Makkah is reserved for pilgrims performing Hajj. If you’re planning Umrah, the Hajj season is the one stretch to plan around, not through.
At a glance
- Umrah: any time of year, within the announced Umrah season.
- Hajj: once a year, in the Hajj season only.
- During Hajj season: entry to Makkah is reserved for Hajj pilgrims.
- Umrah permit: booked in Nusuk; the Ministry lists the service as free.
Visas: which ones work for which
For Umrah, official pages name several routes. Nusuk says Umrah has its own visa, and visit, tourist and work visa holders can also perform Umrah. Visit Saudi adds that the tourist eVisa allows Umrah, except during the Hajj season.
Hajj is handled through its own official channels, not through a tourist visa. Nusuk’s FAQ makes the point for transit visas: holders can apply for Umrah through Nusuk, but not for Hajj.
| Umrah | Hajj | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Any time of year, within the Umrah season | Once a year, in the Hajj season |
| Tourist eVisa | Allowed, except in Hajj season | Not a Hajj route |
| Transit visa | Can apply for Umrah via Nusuk | Not for Hajj |
| Booking | Umrah permit in Nusuk (listed as free) | Through official Hajj channels |
Permits: the step people forget
Whichever visa you enter on, Umrah needs a permit: a booked date and time issued in the Nusuk app. The Ministry’s permit page lists the service as free, and says you sign in with Nafath. It’s open to visitors, GCC citizens, citizens and residents. We walk through the screens in our guide to booking your Umrah permit on Nusuk.
Warning
Never pay a third party for an Umrah permit that you can book yourself in Nusuk. If an offer bundles a permit at a price, check that the provider is licensed on Nusuk before you pay.
Planning Umrah around the Hajj season
The Ministry publishes an Umrah season calendar each year. For the 1448 AH season, its announcement (published 17 May 2026) gives the key dates.
1448 AH Umrah season, as announced by the Ministry
1
31 May 2026 (14 Dhul-Hijjah 1447): Umrah visa issuance and entry begin.
2
1 Jun 2026: entry to Makkah and Nusuk permits begin.
3
9 Mar 2027 (1 Shawwal 1448): last day for issuing Umrah visas.
4
23 Mar 2027: last day of entry.
5
7 Apr 2027: last day of departure.
The season starts just after one Hajj and closes ahead of the next. If you want to travel close to either end, check the Ministry’s latest announcement first, and leave a margin for flight changes.
Which one should I plan first?
That’s a personal and religious question, and a scholar is the right person to ask. On the practical side, Umrah is the easier trip to schedule, because you choose the dates. Hajj needs a lot more lead time and goes through its own official process. Our Hajj for first-timers overview explains how that preparation looks.
Before you book Umrah
- Check that your travel dates fall inside the current Umrah season and outside the Hajj season.
- Confirm your visa type allows Umrah, using Nusuk or Visit Saudi.
- Book your Umrah permit in Nusuk once you have your dates.
- If you use a package, confirm the provider is licensed.
Sources and last checked
Last checked 24 Oct 2026: the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Umrah page, permit page and 1448 season announcement; Nusuk’s Umrah page; and Visit Saudi’s visa regulations. Rules can change between seasons, so check the official pages before you travel.