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Umrah Visa for Saudi Arabia — How to Apply, Requirements & What to Expect

Umrah is a religious pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) and Madinah that Muslims can perform at any time of year, unlike the Hajj which has specific dates. Saudi Arabia issues a dedicated Umrah visa for this purpose. Since 2023, Umrah visas can be applied for directly through the Nusuk platform without needing a travel agent. This guide explains who can apply, how to get the visa, and what to expect on arrival.

Highlights

  • ★Umrah visas are available year-round except during the Hajj season (Dhul Hijja) when Umrah entry is restricted.
  • ★Since 2023, Umrah visas can be applied for directly through the Nusuk app or portal (nusuk.sa) without a travel agent — though agents are still widely used.
  • ★The Umrah visa is valid for 30 days from entry and allows multiple entries. It also permits visiting other parts of Saudi Arabia, not just Makkah and Madinah.
  • ★Women under 45 can now travel for Umrah without a mahram (male guardian) — they must travel as part of an organised group.
  • ★A valid passport with at least 6 months validity is required, along with proof of accommodation booking and a return flight.
  • ★Umrah visa holders can extend their stay or convert to a tourist visa — Saudi Arabia has been actively encouraging religious tourism.

Who Is This For?

Muslims outside Saudi Arabia who want to perform Umrah and need to understand the visa process, requirements, and what happens after arrival.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. 1Check eligibility: you must be Muslim and hold a passport from a country that is eligible for Umrah visas. Most Muslim-majority countries and many others are eligible — check the Nusuk portal for the current country list.
  2. 2Download the Nusuk app (iOS/Android) or visit nusuk.sa and create an account using your passport details and email address.
  3. 3Book your Umrah package: Nusuk requires you to book accommodation in Makkah (and optionally Madinah) and transport as part of the visa application. Select your hotel, dates, and group size.
  4. 4Complete the visa application within Nusuk: upload your passport photo page, select your travel dates, and provide your return flight details.
  5. 5Pay the visa fee and accommodation package through Nusuk. Visa fees vary by nationality — many nationalities receive the visa free, others pay a processing fee.
  6. 6Receive your Umrah visa confirmation digitally within 24–72 hours in most cases. The visa is linked to your passport number electronically — no physical sticker is always required.
  7. 7Travel to Saudi Arabia through any international airport (Jeddah King Abdulaziz, Madinah, Riyadh). On arrival, proceed through immigration — your visa is verified electronically.
  8. 8Proceed to Makkah to perform Umrah. Follow the steps of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and Halq/Taqsir. Guides and scholars are available at the Grand Mosque for assistance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ✗Travelling during Hajj season — Umrah visas are suspended or heavily restricted during the Hajj period (Dhul Hijja 1–13). Check the Saudi Hajj Ministry calendar before booking.
  • ✗Booking through unofficial agents — only use MHRSD-licensed Umrah operators or the official Nusuk platform. Unlicensed agents have caused many pilgrims to be stranded.
  • ✗Not having at least 6 months passport validity — Saudi immigration will deny entry if your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date.
  • ✗Women under 45 travelling without an organised group — solo travel for Umrah without a mahram requires joining a licensed Umrah group. Confirm group travel requirements before booking.
  • ✗Assuming the Umrah visa restricts you to Makkah and Madinah only — the visa permits travel throughout Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and tourist sites.

Timing & Fees

Umrah visa fee: free for most nationalities through Nusuk (processing fees may apply for some countries). Accommodation in Makkah: SAR 300–2,000+/night depending on hotel proximity to the Grand Mosque and season. Return flights vary by origin country. The full Umrah trip typically costs USD 800–3,000+ per person depending on origin, accommodation standard, and season.

Practical Tips

  • 💡The best time for Umrah is outside Ramadan — during Ramadan the Grand Mosque is extremely crowded (millions of pilgrims). Performing Umrah in Ramadan carries significant spiritual reward but requires advance planning and premium accommodation prices.
  • 💡Book accommodation as close to the Grand Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Haram) as possible — even a 10-minute walk can be very tiring for elderly pilgrims or those with health conditions.
  • 💡Wear your Ihram clothing from the Meeqat point (specific locations on the routes to Makkah) — entering Makkah without Ihram invalidates your Umrah.
  • 💡The Nusuk app provides guidance, schedules, and tracking features useful during your pilgrimage. Keep it installed and charged.
  • 💡Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Makkah — this is strictly enforced at entry checkpoints on all roads leading to the holy city.
  • 💡Zam Zam water: you can carry up to 5 litres of Zam Zam water out of Saudi Arabia on most airlines in checked baggage. Confirm your airline's specific allowance.
  • 💡If you plan to visit Madinah, do so before or after Makkah — visiting Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque) is highly recommended and is straightforward to add to your itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I perform Umrah without a travel agent?

Yes. Since 2023, you can apply directly through the Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) without a travel agent. You book your visa, accommodation, and transport directly through Nusuk. Travel agents are still widely used for convenience and package deals.

Can women travel for Umrah without a mahram?

Women under 45 can now travel for Umrah without a mahram (male guardian), provided they travel as part of an organised Umrah group. Women 45 and over can travel independently. This policy change was introduced in 2021 as part of Vision 2030 reforms.

How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa?

The standard Umrah visa allows a stay of 30 days from the date of entry. Extensions and conversion to a tourist visa are possible through the Absher portal if you want to stay longer or visit other parts of the country.

Can I visit other Saudi cities on an Umrah visa?

Yes. The Umrah visa is effectively a Saudi entry visa and permits travel throughout the country — Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Abha, and other destinations can all be visited during your stay, not just Makkah and Madinah.

What is the difference between Umrah and Hajj?

Hajj is the obligatory pilgrimage performed during specific days of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijja. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of year. Both involve visiting Makkah and performing rituals at the Grand Mosque, but Hajj has additional rites and is far larger in scale.