Editor’s note: The 1448H Umrah season is open. Umrah visa issuance and pilgrim arrivals resumed on 31 May 2026, and Makkah entry and Umrah permits via Nusuk resumed on 1 June 2026. Confirm current entry rules on Nusuk and Visit Saudi before booking.
Yes, women can now perform Umrah without a mahram (male guardian). Saudi Arabia lifted the mahram requirement for women of all ages, allowing them to travel to Jeddah and Madinah on their own or with a trusted group.
This guide walks you through the rules, the paperwork, the money, and the practical realities of the trip, from choosing your visa to performing the rituals.
What Is a Mahram and Why the Rule Changed
A mahram is a close male relative a Muslim woman cannot marry, such as her father, brother, son, husband, or uncle. For decades, Saudi rules required women to travel for Umrah with a mahram, which shut out widows, divorcees, single women, and anyone whose male relative couldn’t travel.
Under Vision 2030 reforms, Saudi Arabia removed the mahram requirement. The policy applies to both Umrah and Hajj, with separate registration processes for each.
Umrah for Women Without a Mahram: What You Need
Here’s the full list of what Saudi Arabia requires from a woman travelling alone for Umrah:
- Age 18 or above
- Passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry
- Confirmed return ticket
- Confirmed hotel and transport booked through the Nusuk platform
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate
- Travel insurance (usually bundled with your visa fee)
Saudi authorities still recommend women join an organised group, especially for their first trip. You’re not required to, but groups handle the logistics and are the easier route if you’ve never been.
Visa and Documentation: A Step-by-Step Guide
This is the part most women find confusing. Here’s how to work through it cleanly.
Pick the Right Visa for You
Your nationality decides your options:
| Your Situation | Best Visa Option |
|---|---|
| You’re from a tourist eVisa-eligible country (UK, US, EU, Malaysia, Singapore, and others) | Tourist eVisa. Fastest, no mahram rule, and lets you perform Umrah. |
| You’re from a country that isn’t tourist eVisa-eligible (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, and others) | Umrah eVisa through Nusuk or a licensed Umrah operator. |
| You already hold a valid Saudi work, residency, or family visit visa | No new visa needed. You can perform Umrah on your existing visa. |
Gather Your Documents
Have these ready before you start the application:
- Passport with at least six months’ validity and two blank pages
- A recent passport-size photo with a white background
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate (get this at least 10 days before travel)
- A credit or debit card that works for international online payments
Apply Through Nusuk
Go to nusuk.sa or download the Nusuk app. Create an account, then choose an Umrah package. Since June 2025, you must book your hotel and ground transport through Nusuk before the visa will be issued. You cannot apply for a standalone visa and book hotels separately.
Once your package is booked and paid for, Nusuk submits your visa application automatically. Processing takes 3 to 7 working days.
Complete Biometrics If Required
Travellers from the UK, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and a few other countries must submit fingerprints and a photo through the Saudi Visa Bio app before arrival. This takes about 15 minutes at home using your phone.
Costs and Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Umrah visa fee | SAR 300 (approx. USD 80), plus mandatory insurance of approx. SAR 100–180 |
| Tourist eVisa (alternative) | SAR 535 (approx. USD 143), includes insurance and VAT |
| Nusuk accommodation package (economy) | From SAR 800 (approx. USD 213) |
| Mandatory travel insurance | Included in most visa fees |
When to Go
Timing affects your cost and your experience more than anything else.
- November to February is the easiest time for solo female travellers. The weather is cool, crowds are manageable, and prices are lower.
- Ramadan is the most spiritually rewarding time but also the most crowded and expensive. Hotel rates triple, the Haram is packed 24 hours a day, and the heat can be punishing if Ramadan falls in summer.
- Avoid the annual Hajj season. The dedicated Umrah visa is not activated from 1 Dhu Al-Qi’dah to 13 Dhu Al-Hijjah.
- School holidays in the GCC (late June to August) bring a regional pilgrimage surge. Skip these if you want a quieter trip.
Choosing a Reliable Umrah Operator
Most women travelling solo for the first time book through an operator. It removes the heaviest part of the planning and gives you a local guide on arrival.
Green Flags
- Listed as an accredited external agent on the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website
- Women-only groups with female guides available
- Written breakdown of every cost before payment
- Hotel named in the contract (not “5-star near Haram”)
Red Flags
- Prices far below the market average
- Pressure to pay cash or transfer to a personal account
- No physical office or business registration
- Vague answers about which hotel you’ll stay in
- Refusal to put everything in writing
What to Pack
Pack light. Makkah and Madinah have supermarkets and pharmacies for anything you forget.
Essentials
- Two sets of ihram clothing: loose white abayas, plain headscarves. One to wear, one to wash.
- Comfortable walking shoes: closed, cushioned, already broken in. You’ll walk more than you expect.
- Unscented toiletries: soap, shampoo, deodorant. Scented products are not allowed during ihram.
- Sanitary products: available locally but bring your preferred brand.
- Medication: anything prescription, plus basic painkillers and rehydration salts.
- Small prayer mat and Quran app on your phone
- Refillable water bottle: Zamzam water is free throughout the Haram.
- Photocopy of your passport to carry while your original stays in the hotel safe
The Miqat: Entering Ihram on the Flight
The miqat is the boundary point where you enter the state of ihram before arriving in Makkah. If you’re flying directly into Jeddah or Madinah, the pilot will announce when the aircraft is approaching the miqat, and Saudi airlines play a recorded reminder.
Before boarding, shower, wear your ihram clothing, and make your niyyah (intention) for Umrah either before the flight or during it, before crossing the miqat. Missing the miqat without entering ihram requires a penalty (dam) to be paid, so don’t skip this.
If you land in Madinah first and plan to visit the Prophet’s Mosque before heading to Makkah, you enter ihram later at a different miqat near Madinah called Dhul Hulayfah.
Arrival at the Airport: What to Expect
Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport and Madinah’s Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport both have dedicated Umrah pilgrim terminals with Arabic, English, and Urdu signage.
At immigration, you’ll scan your biometrics and present your passport. The officer may ask your hotel name and purpose of visit; keep your Nusuk booking confirmation handy. Expect the whole process to take 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the terminal is.
After immigration, look for signs to the taxi rank or your pre-booked transfer. Careem and Uber both operate at both airports, and female drivers are available if you request one in the app. If you booked through an Umrah operator, a representative will usually meet you at arrivals with a name board.
Where to Stay and What It Costs
Makkah
Stay within 500 metres of Masjid al-Haram if your budget allows. Walking to prayers, especially in ihram at night, is far easier when you’re a few minutes from the mosque. Look at hotels in Makkah to compare. Budget options further out use free shuttle buses that can take 30 to 45 minutes each way during peak hours.
Madinah
The central zone around Masjid al-Nabawi has dozens of hotels near the Prophet’s Mosque. Most pilgrims stay 3 to 5 nights here.
Full Trip Budget
| Item | Budget (USD) | Comfortable (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa and insurance | 80 to 130 | 130 to 200 |
| Return flight | 400 to 700 | 800 to 1,200 |
| Hotel (7 nights total) | 350 to 600 | 800 to 1,500 |
| Ground transport | 50 to 100 | 100 to 200 |
| Food and incidentals | 150 to 250 | 300 to 500 |
| Total | 1,030 to 1,780 | 2,130 to 3,600 |
You can search for Umrah flights and compare options on Wego’s Umrah page before booking.
Performing Umrah: The Rituals Step by Step
The Umrah itself takes 3 to 5 hours. Book your Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before entering Masjid al-Haram. Only one active permit is allowed at a time.
1. Tawaf
Circle the Kaaba seven times, starting from the Black Stone corner. Women are not required to run during any section of tawaf, unlike men. If the inner circle feels overwhelming, move to the outer floors where there’s more space and the ritual counts just the same.
2. Two Rakat Behind Maqam Ibrahim
Pray two short rakat after tawaf, ideally near Maqam Ibrahim but anywhere in the mosque is fine if the area is full.
3. Drink Zamzam Water
Available at free dispensers throughout the Haram.
4. Sa’y
Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. The indoor route is air-conditioned, and there are dedicated lanes for wheelchairs and the elderly. Go at your own pace.
5. Cut Your Hair
Women cut a small strand roughly the length of a fingertip. Do not shave your head. Bring small scissors or ask a female companion or your group leader.
Ihram and Dress Code for Women
Women’s ihram is about modesty, not a specific uniform.
What to Wear in Ihram
- Loose clothing covering everything except face and hands
- A headscarf covering hair, ears, and neck
- Simple closed shoes or sandals
- Plain white, beige, or pastel colours without embellishments
What’s Not Allowed in Ihram
- Niqab or face veil: your face must be uncovered
- Gloves: hands must be uncovered
- Perfume, scented soap, or makeup
- Nail polish and jewellery
Outside ihram, dress modestly through your stay. An abaya isn’t legally required for foreign women in Saudi Arabia, but in the Holy Cities it’s expected and makes daily life simpler.
If Your Period Starts Before or During Umrah
This is one of the most common worries for women planning Umrah, and it’s completely fine if it happens. Here’s what to do.
Before You Enter Ihram
You can still enter ihram at the miqat. Make your niyyah and say the talbiyah as normal. Skip the two rakat sunnah prayer since salah isn’t permitted during menstruation.
If It Starts Before Tawaf
You cannot enter Masjid al-Haram or perform tawaf until your period ends. Stay in your hotel, make dua, read Quran from your phone, and wait. Once it ends, perform ghusl and complete your Umrah.
If It Starts After Tawaf
You can still perform sa’y. The area between Safa and Marwah is outside the mosque boundary. Use the back entrances that don’t pass through the prayer hall.
Menstrual Delay Medication
Some women use hormonal tablets to delay their period for the trip. Always consult a doctor first, don’t self-prescribe, and start the medication well before you fly so you know how your body reacts.
Safety and Practical Tips in the Holy Cities
Moving Around
- Careem and Uber operate in Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. Both let you request female drivers.
- Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. The full Makkah-to-Madinah journey takes around 2 hours, and Makkah to Jeddah takes about 45 minutes. Book through the official Haramain Railway website or your hotel.
- Avoid unmarked taxis, especially after dark.
Inside the Haram
- Note your entry gate number. Masjid al-Haram has over 100 gates and they look similar once you’re inside. If you get lost, ask a female security staff member, they’re stationed throughout.
- Use women-only sections at peak prayer times. They’re quieter and clearly signposted.
- Carry a zipped cross-body bag with only essentials. Leave your passport in the hotel safe.
Staying Connected
Buy a local SIM at the airport (STC, Mobily, and Zain all sell visitor packs) or activate an eSIM before you fly. Share your live location with a family member for peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Wear My Wedding Ring in Ihram?
Most scholars permit a plain wedding ring since it’s considered a marker of marital status rather than adornment. Leave other rings, bangles, and jewellery behind.
What if I Get Lost Inside Masjid al-Haram?
Look for the large gate numbers posted at every exit. If you’re disoriented, ask female security staff or volunteers in the women’s sections. Save your hotel name and gate number in your phone before going in.
Can I Travel for Umrah While Pregnant?
Yes, with medical clearance. Most airlines allow travel up to 28 to 32 weeks with a doctor’s note. Discuss your trip with your doctor first, especially if you have any complications, and factor in extra rest between rituals.
Do I Need a No-Objection Letter From My Father or Husband?
Saudi authorities no longer require one. Some Umrah operators in your home country may still ask for one as part of their own process. Check with your operator before booking.
Can I Take Photos Inside the Mosque?
Photography restrictions apply inside Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi, particularly during the Hajj season. Authorities have tightened enforcement and violations can lead to device confiscation and penalties. Check the latest rules on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website before travelling, and never photograph other pilgrims without their permission.
Sources
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah – FAQ
- Nusuk Official Platform
- Nusuk Umrah Platform
- Visit Saudi – Visa Regulations
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Platform
- Gulf News – Saudi Arabia to Resume Umrah Visas from June 10
- Haramain High Speed Railway – Timetable
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.
