Ramadan Umrah for staff: planning for 2027
Umrah in Ramadan is what many employees hope for, and it is the hardest time to arrange. Demand, prices and crowds peak, and the Umrah visa calendar closes soon after Eid, so dates need fixing early.
The key facts
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Ramadan 1448 | Expected to begin around 8 February 2027, subject to moon sighting. |
| Eid al-Fitr | Expected around 9 March 2027 (1 Shawwal 1448). |
| Last ten nights | Expected in late February and early March 2027; the busiest period of the year at the Haram. |
| Umrah visa deadline | The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah set 9 March 2027 as the last day for issuing Umrah visas, and 23 March 2027 as the last day to enter. |
| Vaccinations | Meningococcal ACWY vaccine for all pilgrims aged one year and over (conjugate within five years, or polysaccharide within three years, given at least 10 days before arrival). Travellers from Pakistan also need a polio vaccine dose within the previous 12 months and at least four weeks before arrival. |
Early Ramadan, last ten nights or after Eid
The first two weeks of Ramadan are less crowded and cheaper than the last ten nights, and they still give staff the experience of fasting and Taraweeh at the Haram. The last ten nights, when many seek Laylat al-Qadr, are the most crowded and the most expensive; hotel rooms near the Haram are often committed months ahead.
For this season, Umrah visas must be issued by 9 March 2027 and pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia by 23 March 2027, so a short trip just after Eid works only if the visa is issued in time. Everyone on an Umrah visa must leave by 7 April 2027. Staff travelling on another valid Saudi visa should check permit availability in Nusuk.
Booking and budget
Rooms and flights for Ramadan are released and sold early. For a company group, fix dates and names as early as possible, and set the budget knowing that Ramadan prices are higher than the rest of the season. We price several date options so HR can choose.
- Fix dates and names early
- Price early Ramadan as well as the last ten nights
- Keep a buffer in the budget for peak pricing
Fasting, heat and rest
Pilgrims fast during the day, pray Taraweeh at night and often sleep little. Plan arrival with a rest period, keep walking distances short, and brief staff on hydration between Iftar and Suhoor. Older staff and those with medical conditions should speak to their doctor before travel.
Expect crowd-control measures at the Haram: some gates and areas close when full, and movement is slower than usual.
How we arrange it
Go Global arranges corporate Umrah through our licensed Umrah partner. Umrah visas for Pakistani passport holders are processed by Saudi-approved Umrah companies through the official Nusuk system, and our licensed Umrah partner handles that processing for the groups we plan.
How Go Global plans it
Dates
We price early Ramadan and the last ten nights.
Names
HR confirms travellers early.
Partner and bookings
Visa through our licensed Umrah partner; flights and hotels.
Briefing
Fasting, health and crowd guidance.
Journey
Group leader; one invoice afterwards.
Questions we are asked
When is Ramadan 2027?
It is expected to begin around 8 February 2027 and end with Eid al-Fitr around 9 March 2027, subject to moon sighting.
Can staff go for Umrah after Eid 2027?
Only briefly on an Umrah visa: it must be issued by 9 March 2027, entry must be by 23 March 2027 and departure by 7 April 2027. After that, wait for the next season, which opens after Hajj.
Is the last ten nights much more expensive?
Yes. It is the peak of the year. Early Ramadan is usually less crowded and cheaper.
How early should we book?
As soon as dates and names are fixed; rooms near the Haram for the last ten nights go first.
Planning Ramadan Umrah for staff?
Tell us who is travelling, when and why. We reply with a plan, the visa route and a quote. Go Global has handled 100,000+ trips since 2020, and our team works 24/7 for travellers on the road. Email insights@goglobal.pk or WhatsApp 0320-4111222.