MAKKAH: Saudi Umrah pilgrims 2026 reached more than 15.2 million in the first quarter of the new Umrah season, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), highlighting strong demand for the pilgrimage.
GASTAT reported a total of 15,233,767 Umrah performers during the period. Of these, 9.5 million were pilgrims from within the Kingdom, while 5,769,271 came from abroad.
The latest figures underline the scale of the Saudi Umrah season 2026, which began with visa issuance and pilgrim entry on May 31.
Saudi Umrah pilgrims 2026: Foreign arrivals reach 5.7m
The figures show that foreign visitors accounted for a substantial share of the total. Among overseas pilgrims, 2.77 million were men, while women numbered 2.91 million, meaning women represented 51.8% of international Umrah arrivals.
Overall, men accounted for 56.4% of all Umrah performers, compared with 40.6% women. Saudi nationals made up 28.9% of the total number of pilgrims recorded during the quarter.
Air travel remained the main gateway for Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia arriving from overseas. Around 86% entered through airports, while 13.6% crossed through land border points and 0.4% arrived by sea.
Pakistan remains a major source of Umrah pilgrims
Pakistan continues to feature prominently among countries sending pilgrims to the Kingdom.
Earlier figures from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah showed that nearly 200,000 Pakistani pilgrims had travelled to Saudi Arabia during the opening weeks of the current season, the highest number among individual countries.
The strong Pakistani presence adds significance to the latest figures for Saudi Umrah pilgrims 2026, particularly as Saudi authorities continue expanding digital services and travel options for visitors.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah officially began issuing Umrah visas and allowing pilgrim entry on May 31, 2026. Access to Makkah and issuance of Umrah permits through the Nusuk application began on June 1.
Saudi authorities have also introduced a 365-day multiple-entry Umrah visa, allowing eligible holders to enter the Kingdom multiple times, with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days. Each visit, however, requires an approved service package and a fresh Umrah permit through Nusuk.
The latest statistics indicate that Saudi Umrah pilgrims 2026 are maintaining strong momentum, with millions of domestic and international visitors already completing the pilgrimage during the opening quarter.
