An Umrah visa is a permit issued by Saudi Arabia that lets Muslims enter the Kingdom to perform Umrah and visit the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah. You can apply online through the Nusuk Umrah platform if your country is on Saudi Arabia’s e-visa list, or through a licensed agent if it is not.
For the 2026 season, the rules have tightened. You now need to link every visa application to confirmed accommodation and transport bookings inside Nusuk, the season runs on firm published deadlines, and the MenACWY vaccine remains mandatory for every pilgrim aged one and above. Here is what you need to know before you apply.
Pilgrims can now apply for their Umrah eVisa directly on Wego, making it easier to manage your visa and travel plans in one place.
What Is the Umrah Visa and Who Needs One?
The Umrah visa is issued specifically for pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah. It is separate from the Saudi tourist visa, although travellers on a tourist eVisa may also perform Umrah outside the Hajj season.
Visa Types
Saudi Arabia issues two main Umrah visa categories, based on what you apply for and what your nationality qualifies for:
- Single-entry Umrah visa — for one pilgrimage trip. Under the updated 2026 rules, you must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of visa issuance (reduced from 90 days), and once inside you can stay for up to 90 days.
- Multiple-entry Umrah visa — valid for one year from issuance, with up to 90 days of stay per visit.
The validity and stay limits printed on your issued visa are the ones that count. Always follow what is shown on your actual visa.
Who Can Apply?
Muslim travellers of all nationalities can apply for an Umrah visa, subject to seasonal Hajj restrictions. The application route, however, depends on which passport you hold.
As outlined on the official Saudi eVisa portal, citizens and eligible residents of around 66 countries — including the UK, US, Canada, EU member states, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and all GCC states — can apply directly online.
Travellers from countries outside the e-visa list, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Nigeria, and several others, must apply through a travel agent licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Once the visa is issued, everyone uses Nusuk to manage permits and mosque entry.
Rules for Women
Women aged 18 and above can apply for the Umrah visa independently, without a male guardian (mahram). This rule has been in place since Saudi Arabia updated its framework.
Minors under 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian who holds a valid visa, and their details are linked to the adult’s application.
GCC Citizens and UAE Residents
GCC citizens do not need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah. UAE residents and other GCC expats, however, do need a visa and can apply through the Saudi eVisa portal or via Nusuk. Your UAE residence must have enough remaining validity at the time of application, typically three months or more.
1448 AH Umrah Season Dates
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has published the full 1448 AH season calendar. The season opened on 31 May 2026, with Makkah entry from 1 June 2026.
- Last date to issue an Umrah visa: 9 March 2027
- Last date for pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia: 23 March 2027
- Last date for pilgrims to depart the Kingdom: 7 April 2027
Umrah Visa Fees, Validity and Stay Limits
The official fees on the Nusuk platform are fixed, but your final cost depends on insurance, service charges, and whether you book through an agent. Always confirm current charges on the Nusuk Umrah portal before paying.
Official Fee Breakdown
- Visa fee: USD 80 (refundable in specific cases)
- Visa digital service fee: USD 10.50 (non-refundable)
- Insurance digital service fee: USD 10.50 (non-refundable)
- Insurance premium: varies by chosen provider
GCC residents applying via the eVisa portal typically pay around SAR 300, while non-GCC residents pay around SAR 535, inclusive of service charges. Prices can be revised by the Ministry, so treat these as indicative.
Validity at a Glance
| Visa Type | Visa Validity | Stay Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry Umrah | 30 days from issue to enter | Up to 90 days after entry |
| Multiple-entry Umrah | 1 year from issue | Up to 90 days per visit |
| Saudi Tourist eVisa (Umrah allowed) | 1 year, multiple entry | Up to 90 days per visit |
The tourist eVisa covers Umrah outside the Hajj period but does not permit Hajj or employment activities. The Visit Saudi portal lists current eligible nationalities.
How to Apply for an Umrah Visa Through Nusuk
For pilgrims from e-visa-eligible countries, the most direct route is the Nusuk Umrah platform, operated by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Applicants from other countries should start with a licensed agent, who will handle the visa filing on their behalf.
The “No Booking, No Visa” Rule
Saudi Arabia now requires every Umrah visa application to be linked to verified bookings in Nusuk. That means before you apply, you need:
- A confirmed hotel reservation in Makkah, Madinah, or both, through a Nusuk-approved hotel.
- Pre-booked ground transport (airport transfer, inter-city travel between Makkah and Madinah, and airport departure).
- A Booking Reference Number (BRN) tied to the above bookings.
Without these, your visa will not be approved, and permits will not be issued on arrival. Tour operators often bundle all of this into a single Umrah package.
Step-by-Step Nusuk Application
- Go to umrah.nusuk.sa or download the Nusuk app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Create an account using your passport details, email, and phone number, then verify via OTP.
- Choose an approved Umrah package, or select a visa-only flow if available for your nationality.
- Enter traveller details exactly as they appear on your passport. Any mismatch is a common cause of rejection.
- Upload a recent digital photo (white background), confirmed return air tickets, proof of accommodation, and your MenACWY vaccination certificate.
- Review fees, add insurance, and complete payment through the portal.
- Track application status inside Nusuk. Processing typically takes a few days but can extend during peak season.
Once approved, download and save your visa on your phone and by email. You will also use Nusuk inside Saudi Arabia to book Umrah permits, schedule entry to Masjid al-Haram, and reserve Rawdah appointments in Madinah.
Applying From India, Pakistan or Bangladesh
Pilgrims from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh cannot apply for a standalone Umrah visa directly on Nusuk. The process runs through a Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah licensed agent, who will:
- Collect your documents, photo, and passport.
- Lodge your visa application through the agent portal linked to Nusuk.
- Bundle flights, hotel, and transport into a complete package.
You will still need to register on Nusuk once your visa is issued, since permits and mosque entry are managed only through the platform.
Documents, Vaccinations and Practical Tips Before You Travel
Most Umrah visa rejections or delays come down to small paperwork mistakes. Check everything well before your application date.
Documents You Need
- Passport valid for at least six months from your travel date, with at least two blank pages.
- Recent digital photo with a white background, matching Saudi specifications.
- Confirmed round-trip flight tickets covering your Umrah dates.
- Proof of accommodation via Nusuk-linked hotel bookings.
- MenACWY vaccination certificate, issued by an official health authority.
- UAE residence or other GCC residency proof, if applying as a resident.
Mandatory Health Requirements
All Umrah and Hajj pilgrims aged one year and above must be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis (ACWY), as set out by the Saudi Ministry of Health.
- Take the conjugate MenACWY vaccine at least 10 days before arrival.
- The certificate remains valid for up to 5 years for conjugate vaccines and up to 3 years for polysaccharide vaccines.
- Depending on your home country, seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may also be recommended.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without linked bookings. The “No Booking, No Visa” rule is strictly enforced.
- Name or passport mismatches. Your application details must match your passport exactly.
- Leaving the vaccine too late. The 10-day rule is not flexible.
- Booking non-Nusuk hotels or transport. Only Nusuk-approved providers will generate a valid BRN.
- Travelling on the wrong visa. A tourist eVisa cannot be used during the Hajj period.
Before You Fly
- Keep digital and printed copies of your visa, hotel bookings, and Nusuk confirmation.
- Register on Nusuk and book your Umrah permit for a specific date and time slot.
- Pack ihram garments, prayer items, a refillable water bottle, and comfortable sandals.
- Save emergency contacts, including your home country’s embassy in Riyadh or Jeddah.
Book flights to Jeddah or flights to Madinah on Saudia or other carriers, and check hotels in Makkah close to the Haram for shorter walks during peak prayer times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Umrah visa?
Processing usually takes a few days and can run up to seven working days, depending on your nationality, season, and application channel. Applications through Nusuk are often faster than agent-based routes. Track your status inside the same platform you applied through.
Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa?
Yes, holders of a Saudi tourist eVisa may perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, provided they book the Umrah permit through Nusuk. Tourist visas do not allow you to perform Hajj or to work in Saudi Arabia.
Do women still need a mahram for Umrah?
No. Women aged 18 and above can apply for and perform Umrah without a male guardian, although some agents still prefer group bookings. Minors must travel with a parent or legal guardian.
Do I still need Nusuk if I already have an Umrah visa?
Yes. Even with a valid visa, Nusuk is mandatory for booking Umrah permits, entering Masjid al-Haram, and reserving Rawdah slots in Madinah. Download the app and register before you travel.
Can I extend my Umrah visa once inside Saudi Arabia?
No. The Umrah visa cannot be extended beyond the stay printed on it. You must depart before it expires or risk overstay fines. If you need more time, apply for a different visa before your current one ends.
Sources
- Nusuk Umrah Platform
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah FAQ
- Saudi eVisa Official Portal
- Visit Saudi Visa Regulations
- Saudi Ministry of Health Pilgrims’ Health
- Saudi National Portal — Nusuk Umrah Registration
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
